Cumberland County Schools COVID-19 cases in a decline ahead of holidays

So far this year, Cumberland County Schools has seen a month-by-month decrease in COVID-19 cases among students and staff, an official said recently.

Since the start of the school year Aug. 29, the district has recorded a total of 2,996 COVID-19 cases, according to Shirley Bolden, director of Health Services for Cumberland County Schools.

And each month, the number of cases have declined, she said. In August, there were 1,994 COVID-19 cases; in September, there were 818 COVID-19 cases; in October, there were 142 COVID-19 cases. And from Nov. 1 through Nov. 16 there were 42 COVID-19 cases among students and staff, Bolden said.  

The school district is not tracking cases of flu or respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, she said.

The decrease in COVID-19 cases, Bolden said, can be contributed to the school district’s adherence to regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, conducting screen testing, and isolating employees and, or students who are symptomatic.

But with families gathering for the holidays, Bolden warns, the trend could change.

“There is an increased risk of respiratory infections when indoor gatherings occur,” she said. “We are hopeful that our families will practice good respiratory etiquette and stay home from holiday gatherings when they are not well.”

The school district encourages the community to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have not already done so and to keep up to date with booster shots, mask up if sick or exposed to someone who is sick, stay home if sick, get tested if symptoms of COVID-19 occur, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing.

Students and employees who test positive for COVID-19 will not be able to return to work or school for a minimum of five days, said Lindsay Whitley, spokesperson for Cumberland County Schools. Upon returning, students and employees are expected to wear a mask for a minimum of four days, he said.

For more information, visit Cumberland County Schools online or follow them on Facebook.

Education and families reporter Ariana-Jasmine Castrellon can be reached at acastrellon@gannett.com.