RADNOR — Radnor School District officials say COVID cases have once again started increasing, prompting the district to have a one-day virtual instruction day following this week’s spring break.
In a letter to the community, Radnor Superintendent Ken Batchelor wrote that the week ending April 1, there were 34 new COVID cases reported to the district by families and staff. The 34 new cases were up from 11 the prior week.
In the letter dated Wednesday, April 6, Batchelor said they had already had another 30 COVID cases reported that week.
Along with the COVID increases, Batchelor said they learned the area also saw an increase in the flu and common cold.
“Historically, over the last two years, we have experienced significant Covid spread during and after school breaks. With this knowledge in hand and based on our current rates of spread and the possibility for increased spread over Spring Break, we will have a virtual day of instruction on Monday, April 18 (the day after break) to allow students and staff ample time to take a Covid test before returning to school, if interested,” according to the letter.
The latest increase in cases is likely related to a rise in other parts of the country due to the latest COVID variant, BA.2.
Health officials have said the new variant is faster spreading than previous versions.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, cabinet members, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, and some lawmakers tested positive for the virus after many of them attended a super-spreader gala event at the Gridiron Club in Washington. The event has been described as a primarily maskless event. NBC News reported Sunday that 72 people who were at the event have since tested positive for the virus.
Back in Radnor, district officials say during the April 18 virtual day, the district will also hold a free drop-in COVID testing all day for students and staff interested in receiving a test.
“With Spring Break only days away, I have noticed many students and staff have chosen to wear a mask. Please remember, the District has a supply of surgical and KN95 masks for any interested staff member or student,” Batchelor wrote.
More information on pre-registering for an April 18 test can visit the Radnor Township School District website.
