by Dan Blackburn
Five students at Hermosa Valley School tested positive for COVID-19 last week and were quarantined, according to a school official, bringing to 12 the number of district cases since the September start of classes.
Hermosa Beach City School District Superintendent Jason Johnson reported the most recent outbreak was contained to one, upper elementary class, resulting in the entire class being sent home for eight days.
All were back in class Monday, the same day as a national call for students to stay home in protest of COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Johnson said enrollment on Monday was not affected by the protest.
No serious illness was reported among the five students afflicted by COVID-19, Johnson said, and all impacted families were notified immediately by email.
“We were quick to respond, I think we’ve got it settled,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful that was all there was to it.”
Cause of the outbreak is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Teachers and staff in the district must be vaccinated, or undergo weekly testing.
Johnson said protocols are being strictly followed, including masks indoors for staff, students, and volunteers, regardless of vaccination status; three-foot physical distancing between students; six-foot distancing between staff; daily self-screening temperature checks at home for students and staff; and enhanced cleaning procedures. ER
