Student tests positive for covid-19 at St. Bede School in Pittsburgh

A first-grade student at St. Bede School in Point Breeze has tested positive for the coronavirus, the school said Friday in an email message, and Director of Catholic Schools Michelle Peduto said.

All first-graders at the school will learn virtually for the next 14 days, Peduto said. The school has utilized a hybrid program that allows families to choose at-home or in-person learning.

The student will not return to school until they’ve completed isolation procedures, and the impacted areas of the school have been cleaned and sanitized. Those who were in close contact with the student have also been contacted and advised to quarantine., according to an email sent to parents.

Peduto said the school learned of the case Friday morning, and immediately reached out to the Allegheny County Health Department and families.

Since the school year began, various schools around Western Pennsylvania have had to temporarily close buildings for sanitation after students or employees tested positive. In September, Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport moved students online for a few days after two students became infected.

Overall, though, Peduto said the first quarter has gone well for schools in the Diocese. She said she’s visited several schools and seen students excited to be back in the classroom, cooperating and following new guidelines. There isn’t a child around anymore who doesn’t know what six feet of distance looks like, she said.

“I cannot tell you how well our teachers have done, how well our principals are doing,” Peduto said. “I feel it’s going really well, but we owe it to them.”