Coronavirus Outbreak Hits Lower Merion Elementary School

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — A coronavirus outbreak has hit a Montgomery County elementary school, causing the district to examine airflow in the classroom. According to the district, eight cases of the coronavirus have been reported in a second grade class at Penn Valley Elementary School.

Officials said it's possible that a variant strain of the coronavirus is a factor in the outbreak, noting "rapid spread" as well as the fact that the virus infected two vaccinated family members.

"[The Montgomery County Office of Public Health] has also noted the possibility of a variant strain of COVID-19 being a factor, citing both the rapid spread within the class and the fact that two vaccinated family members of impacted students have also tested positive," the district said in its announcement.

The district said following the outbreak, the Operations Department looked into the room's ventilation and found only about 30 percent of the maximum amount of fresh air was coming into the classroom.

Officials said that was due to a manual damper within the ductwork above the ceiling was too far closed. However, the district said the ventilation issue may not be the impetus for the outbreak, and said a coronavirus variant could be a factor.

The district said the classroom has been deep cleaned and the operations staff has run and will keep running air quality assurance tests in all buildings during the coming weeks.

"LMSD continues to work with and update MCOPH regarding this outbreak and all reported cases of COVID-19 within the District," the district said. "We urge you to continue to follow protocols such as masking, distancing and hand-washing, and to use the saily screening tool before deciding whether a child should come to school."