By Jerry Bellune 
JerryBellune@yahoo.com
20 Lexington County public schools this week reported covid-19 cases.
That is 12 more schools than were reported last week.
SC health officials have not revealed exactly how many cases were found in each school.
Health officials say that exact numbers would invade privacy. 
Lexington Elementary is listed on the Department of Health and Environmental Control website as having less than 5 faculty infected but no students.
A Chronicle reader who requested anonymity said she knows of 6 faculty cases.
“I don’t understand why they are trying to cover this up so badly,” she said.

Lexington 1's Mary Beth Hill said the district has set up a page on its website where parents can check the number of students and staff who have tested positive.

The site also shows those who have been excluded, meaning they are staying home because they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

You can vist the page at https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/c37ecc8f-2023-419f-a0cc-1bfbe0c88f3c/page/EBDhB

It shows that 1 Lexington Elementary student tested positive and 16 are staying home due to contact.

It also shows that 2 Lexington Elementary teachers have tested positive and 9 are staying home.

In Tuesday’s DHEC report:
Lexington 1
Beechwood Middle School had 5 or fewer students ill.
Carolina Springs Middle: 5 or fewer students.
Centerville Elementary: 5 or fewer faculty and 5 or fewer student cases.
Forts Pond Elementary: 5 or fewer students and 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Gilbert High: 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Gilbert Middle: 5 or fewer student cases.
Lexington Elementary: 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Meadow Glen Middle: 5 or fewer student cases.
Pelion Elementary: 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Pelion High: 5 or fewer student cases.
Rocky Creek Elementary: 5 or fewer student cases.
Lexington 2
Airport High: 5 or fewer students and 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Brookland-Cayce High: 5 or fewer student cases.
Lexington 3
Batesburg-Leesville Middle: 5 or fewer students and 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Lexington 4
Sandhills Elementary: 5 or fewer student cases.
Lexington-Richland 5
Ballentine Elementary: 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Chapin High: 5 or fewer students and 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Chapin Intermediate: 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Dutch Fork Middle: 5 or fewer faculty cases.
Dutch Fork High: 5 or fewer faculty case.
Spring Hill High: 5 or fewer student cases.
The Chronicle wants your opinion on whether DHEC should lift the veil of secrecy.
Please write us at JerryBellune@yahoo.com