'Several' covid-19 cases prompt Central Catholic High to close Oakland campus, go all-virtual

Central Catholic High School’s campus in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood will close Thursday and students will switch to strictly online classes following multiple newly positive covid-19 cases in recent weeks.

Diocesan officials said they made the decision to close the campus through at least next week in response to guidance issued by the Allegheny County Health Department.

“This action comes after several positive cases in the Central Catholic community were reported in the month of February,” says a statement issued Wednesday afternoon by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Officials did not elaborate on whether the covid cases involved students, teachers or other staff or people affiliated with the school.

Students are set to resume in-person classes at the Central Catholic’s Oakland campus on Monday, according to plans as of Wednesday night. School officials said they will notify parents, caregivers and students should the restart date change.

“We are dedicated to balancing the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff with our commitment to providing a quality education for all of our students,” said Brother Tony Baginski, principal of Central Catholic High. “We thank our parents, teachers, faculty and staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment during these difficult times.”

Blessed Trinity girls basketball

Earlier this week, the diocese announced that all practices and games have been canceled until at least Feb. 25 for the girls varsity basketball team at Blessed Trinity Academy in the North Hills because “someone associated with the team” tested positive for the coronavirus disease.

“We appreciate the immediate notification of the individual, so we could quickly reach out to the community,” Blessed Trinity Principal Moira Regan Edmiston said in a statement issued Monday. “We continue to be vigilant in our efforts to take precautionary measures to keep students and staff safe.”

The boys varsity basketball A-team at Blessed Trinity had their program temporarily suspended last month, and soon after, a covid-19 case prompted Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport to halt its boys junior varsity and varsity basketball seasons for nearly two weeks.

Diocesan officials say that all school buildings continue to be regularly cleaned and sanitized, in line with guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When using school buildings and facilities, students and staff must continue to follow all local, state and federal directives, including wearing face coverings and social distancing, according to the diocese.

RELATED: Covid-19 case halts Serra Catholic basketball games, practices