Vestavia Schools Report Lowest COVID-19 Numbers Of School Year

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Vestavia Hills City Schools reported good news on the COVID-19 front Monday, as the system showed its lowest number of positive COVID-19 cases among students since the beginning of the school year.

Superintendent Todd Freeman said as of Friday, 16 students were absent because of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and 23 were absent for close contact. As well, the system had 11 students who tested positive, also the lowest number of the school year.

Freeman said Monday he would like to determine parents’ interest in their students participating in a weekly, voluntary COVID testing program and a potential vaccine clinic.

"An important point I want to emphasize is that the school system will in no way require any student or staff member to participate in testing or to take the vaccine," Feeeman said. "Participation would be strictly voluntary."

UAB has partnered with school systems to provide free and voluntary weekly COVID testing for students and staff who are asymptomatic and would like to participate. More information about the program can be found at the UAB Voluntary COVID Testing website.

"Another potential opportunity we are exploring is offering a vaccine clinic for students," Freeman said, "If you are interested in your student voluntarily participating in either or both, please complete our survey when we send it to you. Your response on this upcoming survey will be helpful as we consider these potential opportunities."