NCDHHS: Wayne Christian has biggest COVID cluster in the state

Less than two weeks after Wayne Christian School officials confirmed a move to all-virtual instruction after “two, unrelated members of the of the WCS family” tested positive for COVID-19, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has identified the school’s reported infections as the biggest active coronavirus cluster in the state.

According to DHHS’ “COVID-19 Ongoing Clusters in Child Care and School Settings” report issued Tuesday, six WCS staff members and 21 students currently have the virus. The data, which was released by the North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System, is updated twice a week as investigations conducted by local health departments evolve.

The state defines a “cluster” as a minimum of five laboratory-confirmed cases. There are 28 daycares and/or schools on the list. Childcare facilities and school settings with fewer than 10 children or staff are not included to maintain the privacy of those who test positive.

School administrator Paul Brenner said after spending several days conducting contact tracing, officials determined it was safe to reopen elementary and childcare facilities Sept. 21. All other students are expected to return to campus Thursday, but families have been given the option to continue remote learning.

“It is our mission to partner with families and churches to teach a Biblical worldview,” Brenner said. “We feel that providing on-campus, in-person learning as well as remote learning options for our families is the best way to fulfill our mission.”

Here is the report from DHHS: