3 classrooms closed because of virus

ANSONIA — Three Ansonia classrooms have been shuttered for 14 days after it was confirmed that a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 visited them Monday and Tuesday.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph DiBacco said the classrooms — two pre-kindergarten modulars at Ansonia Middle School and a self-contained life skills class at Mead School — have been deep-cleaned and sanitized, as were the rest of the buildings. The individual was in the Middle School prekindergarten classes on Monday and the Mead School classroom on Tuesday, he said

As a result DiBacco said Thursday that the pre-kindergarten classes are expected to resume on Oct. 19 and the life skills classroom will re-open Oct. 20.

In a letter sent to parents Wednesday, DiBacco said the school system is working with the Naugatuck Valley Health District in performing contact tracing. He said parents of students believed to be in close contact will be informed by the school or the NVHD.

He told parents all confirmed cases and any close contacts should self-quarantine for 14 days. A close contact occurs when an individual is within six feet for 15 minutes of an infected person even if both are wearing masks

Additionally, anyone who needs to be tested should contact their health care provider as well as the Griffin Hospital Occupational Medical Center at 203-944-3718. The caller should advise they are calling in connection with the Ansonia Public School system and arrangements will be made for what is expected to be a free drive-thru test.

“What concerns me is people are not following the protocols,” said Mayor David Cassetti. “I worry for the children and the staff.”