A Panther Valley Intermediate School student tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

The school contacted parents and posted a message on its website Thursday announcing it had learned of the positive test that day.

The child last attended school on Friday, Oct. 16.

Superintendent David McAndrew Jr. said in the message that after consulting with the Department of Health, it was determined that there was no need to close school. However some students who had contact with the child outside of school were quarantined.

Any spaces used by the student were cleaned and disinfected per the district’s health and safety plan.

The case is not related to the case in a Panther Valley Intermediate School staff member which occurred in early October.

McAndrew said the district is aware of the rising case count statewide, particularly in Schuylkill County. Like all districts, Panther Valley has plans in place for hybrid or full online instruction if needed. However McAndrew said they hope to continue with full in-person instruction.

“We know the best practice is to stay in school, and that is what we are hoping to give,” he said.