Steve Marroni
The Patriot-News
HERSHEY, Pa. — A staff member has tested positive for the coronavirus, closing the Pennsylvania State Police Academy for at least two weeks.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the 100 cadets currently attending the academy in Hershey will continue with their lessons remotely from home, using the Canvas online learning platform.
State police officials say the temporary closure became necessary Monday after an enlisted staff member at the academy tested positive for the coronavirus.
All other activities at the academy, including continuing education classes for state police personnel and municipal law enforcement officers, had been suspended since March to promote appropriate social distancing among cadets and staff, state police say.
The 158th cadet class graduated in March, leaving only the current 159th class at the academy.
The state police Bureau of Training and Education is adjusting the curriculum to try to keep the cadets on track for their scheduled July 24 graduation.
When they can return to the academy for on-site training will be based on guidance from the state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.