By Jerry Bellune

JerryBellune@yahoo.com

18 Lexington County schools have reported student and faculty covid-19 cases.

That's 2 more schools than last week.

Exactly how many cases are in each school has not been revealed.

Public health and school officials maintain that exact numbers would invade privacy.

Who's privacy is being invaded has not been explained.

State Rep. Chip Huggins of Lexington County has joined the Chronicle in appealing to Gov. Henry McMaster for clear disclosure to the public.

“The exact number of cases at a school is in no way a violation of anyone’s privacy,” said Bill Rogers, executive director of the SC Press Association.

“Parents have right to know what is going on at their schools.

"Withholding this information only hurts DHEC's credibility.”

The Department of Health & Environmental Control has reported that the state's schools have reported 532 corona virus cases since school started.

These 532 cases include 352 students and 180 employees, DHEC reported Friday.

That’s 118 new infections since 414 cases were reported Tuesday.

The Lexington-River Bluff High football game next Friday was cancelled due to positive test results.

Lexington 1

• Carolina Springs Middle: Less than 5 student cases
• Centerville Elementary: Less than 5 faculty cases
• Gilbert Elementary: Less than 5 student cases
• Gilbert High: Less than 5 faculty cases
• Lexington Elementary: Less than 5 faculty cases
• Meadow Glen Elementary: Less than 5 student cases
• Meadow Glen Middle: Less than 5 student cases
• Pelion High: Less than 5 student cases
• River Bluff High: Less than 5 student cases and less than 5 faculty cases
• Rocky Creek Elementary: Less than 5 student cases

Lexington 2

• Brookland-Cayce Senior High: Less than 5 student cases
• Northside Middle: Less than 5 student cases

Lexington 3

• Batesburg-Leesville Middle: Less than 5 student cases and less than 5 faculty cases

Lexington 4

• Sandhills Elementary: Less than 5 student cases

Lexington-Richland 5

• Chapin High: Less than 5 student cases and less than 5 faculty cases
• Dutch Fork Middle: Less than 5 faculty cases
• Irmo Elementary: Less than 5 faculty cases
• Seven Oaks Elementary: Less than 5 faculty cases

• The Chronicle wants your opinion on whether the schools and DHEC should lift the veil of secrecy.

• Should they let parents and grandparents know how many cases have been reported in the schools their children and grandchildren attend?

• Please write us at JerryBellune@yahoo.com