Enfield High closes over virus infection

Enfield High School is closed for the rest of the week because of a coronavirus infection, the superintendent said.

Administrators learned late Wednesday afternoon that a member of the school community had tested positive and decided to have students stay home and learn remotely Thursday and Friday, according to a letter from Superintendent of Schools Chris Drezek.

The decision not to hold in-person classes is to provide “an extra level of precaution” and to allow for contact tracing, Drezek said.

“With the size of the student population of Enfield High School and the fact that students are not in cohorts, this extra precaution is necessary and the school administration will be notifying any member of the community who could be considered a close contact as soon as possible,” he wrote in the letter to students and parents.

The last day students were in school was Tuesday. Wednesdays are designated remote learning days.

Drezek recognized that the last-minute schedule changes can be difficult and stressful.

“I certainly understand the level of anxiety that receiving this message is going to cause for all of you, and I truly wish I didn’t have to send it,” he said. “But please understand that the safety and health of our students and staff is our greatest priority, and we will continue to do everything possible to provide the safest environment we can.”

Across the state, dozens of schools have closed temporarily due to coronavirus cases since classes started in late August.