CT schools should prepare for COVID surge after spring break, state warns
Coming off the holidays and spring break, Connecticut schools should brace for an increase in COVID-19 cases, the state Department of Public Health warned in a memo last week to local leaders.
In recent weeks, cases in schools have been trending upward after declining since early February, according to the latest state data. In the week of April 14 to April 20, schools reported 987 cases among students and 341 among staff.
In its daily report Friday, the state said 4,828 new cases were found in the past seven days among 59,647 tests for a positivity rate of 8.09 percent — the highest since the state switched to a seven-day reporting figure in recent weeks.
Health experts have attributed the upward tick to the BA.2 variant, which is driving increased infections across Connecticut and much of the country.
BA.2, also known as “stealth omicron,” appears to be no more severe, but more contagious, than omicron, health experts have said.
In last week’s memo, DPH and the state Department of Education pointed school officials to the state’s existing guidance on how to navigate COVID-19 cases, advising local officials to boost mitigation strategies such as vaccination clinics and frequent testing.
They are also encouraging schools to support and respect mask use by students and staff during the school day, including inside classrooms, in areas where large numbers of students come in close contact, while interacting with visitors and at school-sponsored performances.
The reminder comes as state and federal mask mandates relax, prompting concern about potential outbreaks in schools where mask-wearing is no longer required.
State officials also told local leaders to remind students and staff to stay home if they feel unwell and follow isolation guidance if they test positive for COVID-19. Students and staff should avoid school activities for five days and wear a mask upon returning for another five days, the state said.