Hillside High School in Durham closes over ‘probable’ COVID-19 test after SAT
Durham Public Schools will close Hillside High School until Friday after a “probable” case of COVID-19.
The decision marks the fifth time DPS has temporarily shuttered a county school due to coronavirus.
Hillside was open Saturday while students were taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test. An employee there did not contract the virus on campus but is thought to be a likely positive case. DPS stressed no COVID-19 cases, including this one, have been transmitted on school property.
DPS, the county health department and the College Board will identify people who may have had close contact with the employee during the SAT and advise them on the best option. Close contact is defined as 15 minutes within 6 feet.
This marks the second time Hillside has been closed for an employee’s probable case. Free meal distribution will continue there before the school building reopens Friday.
Elementary school to stay closed longer
Southwest Elementary was closed for a possible case on Tuesday. DPS has since learned that an employee previously thought to be low-risk may have been infectious. The health department will contact those in close contact.
Southwest Elementary Learning Center will be closed until Oct. 9.
The Durham school board recently voted 6-1 to keep students in remote classes through January, even though North Carolina’s elementary school students are now allowed to return to in-person instruction.
This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 8:41 AM.