How coronavirus has affected Beaufort Co. schools, universities as SC cases rise
As coronavirus cases in South Carolina rise, reaching 12 as of Thursday afternoon, schools across Beaufort County are considering their next move.
Beaufort County School District is postponing non-essential student trips outside the district for at least 30 days and temporarily suspending health occupation internships for 40 to 50 students in career and technology education courses, district spokesman Jim Foster said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the district reported that a Beaufort High School employee was self-quarantining while awaiting the results of a coronavirus test. That employee’s test came back negative, Foster said Thursday.
In an email to parents, the district said the employee was “considered to be at low risk” and had not traveled to any location with confirmed cases of coronavirus. The employee was tested Tuesday and was not in school Tuesday or Wednesday, Foster said.
The school district is awaiting guidance from the South Carolina High School League to make decisions on athletic events, Foster said.
Beaufort High remained on its normal schedule, and custodians across the district are following flu season protocols to disinfect schools, he said.
Hilton Head Preparatory has decided to close school “for a minimum of two weeks starting March 16,” when students were slated to return from winter break, per an email from headmaster Jon Hopman.
University of South Carolina Beaufort announced class cancellations Wednesday, extending students’ spring break from this week to include March 16-21. Online classes will continue as scheduled.
“Students away on Spring Break have been encouraged to not return to campus until notification that in-person classes will resume,” a USCB press release reads. “However, university operations will remain open, including all residence halls and dining service.”
“Fans are permitted to attend home athletic events without restriction” at USCB, per a Thursday press release from athletic director Quin Monahan.
Bridges Preparatory School, John Paul II Catholic School, May River Montessori, Beaufort Academy and Hilton Head Christian Academy are remaining on their normal schedule, as of Thursday afternoon.
Technical College of the Lowcountry has not changed its schedule, and is continuing to monitor the situation, according to the college’s website.
At least one public official is against school closures: Gov. Henry McMaster addressed the topic at the state house on Wednesday.
“There remains no cause for public alarm in South Carolina,” McMaster said. “Schools should continue to remain open and provide instruction.”
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 11:36 AM.