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Another positive COVID case for Purple City schools

MARTINS FERRY — Belmont County Health Department officials are busy tracing contacts of a Martins Ferry middle school girls basketball team coach who tested positive for COVID-19.

Parents were notified of the situation on Wednesday via a message from Superintendent Jim Fogle. He noted the district was in the process of calling everyone considered a direct contact of that coach.

"I ask that those who are placed in quarantine, please monitor for symptoms and if you become symptomatic please contact the school nurse," Fogle said in his message.

"While at home, students may access their classes via Google Classroom. This incident doesn't currently affect our school schedule. School will remain on the hybrid model of instruction through Friday, Dec. 18."

Rob Sproul, deputy health commissioner for the Belmont County Health Department, confirmed it was a coach and not a student who tested positive for the virus. He noted the Ohio High School Athletic Association and Gov. Mike DeWine's office both are promoting the continuation of school-related sports across the Buckeye State during the ongoing pandemic.

"The state guidance is that the schools need to make sure that the sports are conducted in a manner to protect the athletes' health and safety," Sproul said.

"We have spoken with the schools about the importance of limiting the number of spectators and the continued monitoring of their coaches and athletes for COVID signs or symptoms. If any coach or athlete should become positive, they will be placed in isolation and any contacts will be quarantined to prevent any spread of the virus."

The school district has had about four total positive cases since October.