Following the gas leak at Covington Middle School, teachers and parents are seeking answers

Alleghany County, Virginia – Concerned for the safety of the children and staff, parents and educators are demanding answers after a gas leak at Covington Middle School sent over 150 people to the hospital.

Parents and educators were rattled by the hundreds of people who were hospitalized at Covington Middle School due to carbon monoxide exposure.

Since the leak was found last Friday, more than 150 patients have received treatment at LewisGale Hospital Alleghany. Any carbon monoxide level above 2 is alarming, according to emergency physician Andrew Daniel. Many employees and students took tests ranging from 2 to 6.

Many of us still find it extremely awkward to reenter the building. “Yes, they identified the stove hood problem, but we’re not sure they’ve identified everything,” said Lorri Saville, a teacher at Covington Middle School.

According to Saville, since October, there have been reports of gas leaks in various areas of the facility. Before students return, she and other educators are now advocating for an additional independent test.

“At the moment, we’re just bandaging it, but we want them to check them thoroughly and fix it,” Saville stated.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, the issue has been fixed and there is no longer any exposure. However, for some members of the community, particularly those who are dealing with chronic problems, that is insufficient comfort.

“We are coming home and not getting things done when you have multiple doctors telling you that you might need an inhaler for the rest of your life, or we just realized we haven’t been feeling well,” Saville added.

According to a petition, some parents want to shift their children to Clifton Forge Academy, a newer, largely empty building; however, teachers argue that it would be too disruptive at this late point in the school year. According to Saville, educators are collaborating more than ever before to ensure that pupils have access to an education.

To ensure that students stay on course, we are collaborating as teams. We don’t want this to hinder our efforts to prepare the pupils as much as possible,” Saville stated.

For the time being, beginning Monday, February 10, and lasting at least two weeks, lessons will be conducted virtually. Meal distribution will start the following week, and parents can pick up Chromebooks on Friday.

Contractors are still evaluating the building, according to the district, and in-person instruction won’t start up again until they are certain it is safe.