COVID Cluster At Mecklenburg County Private School

CHARLOTTE, NC – More than a dozen students and staff at a Mecklenburg County private school are in quarantine due to a COVID cluster. Six students and staff tested positive for the virus at Covenant Day School in Matthews. 

Health officials say, while key metrics are improving, physical distancing and masks are more important now than ever. 

“That resolve has resulted in our numbers stabilizing and going down. I want to thank the community for this tremendous effort,” said Dena Diorio, the Mecklenburg County Manager.

Key metrics moving in the right direction in Mecklenburg county. The percent of positive COVID-19 tests is now at 5.2%. 

“As they continue to decrease in our community, supporting the idea that some in class instruction is probably a good idea,” said Harris. 

Harris says having students return to classrooms does come with risks. She announced   COVID cluster announced today at Covenant Day School in Matthews. 

“They have had 6 cases with a combination of students and teachers and that classroom is now being fully quarantined,” explained Harris. 

Harris says schools have done a fairly good job with the masking and physical distancing. 

“What we are seeing is that most of the cases are coming from outside exposures. Not in the school setting,” said Harris.

CMS recently moved to Plan B and will have student’s return on a rotational basis. Beginning with the youngest next month. 

Union County, which returned students in a hybrid system last month has had several covid outbreaks including this week. Four cases were reported at South Providence School. 

Teachers we spoke to in August said they were concerned about in person instruction. 

“Teachers aren’t being given the option to choose what they feel is the best for themselves and their families,” said Sophia Stephenson a Union County teacher.

In Iredell county, 32 cases have been reported since the beginning of school. And in Gaston County, more than a dozen cases have been reported from schools according to the health department. 

Back in Mecklenburg county Harris says the plan b approach works for now. 

“At this point we are comfortable with the plans the schools have put in place. We’re comfortable with the training they’ve made available to the teachers,” said Harris.