Superintendent: Vaccinations limiting school COVID cases

PORTLAND — There have been a handful of COVID cases, resulting in at least a dozen people quarantined, in the town’s schools so far this year.

But Superintendent Charles D. Britton said vaccinations have helped to keep the situation manageable.

Britton said the cases include one student at the high school, one at the middle school, and one at Valley View School.

Britton said these cases were contracted outside of school.

COVID cases are starting to rise in school districts statewide. According to data from the state Department of Public Health, 751 students and 126 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the school year.

“We don’t have yet any indication of inside transmission,” Britton said.

The three students are now isolating and at least a dozen others are quarantining after a round of contact tracing was completed, Britton said.

Britton said the three students, and all those who are quarantining as a precaution, have not been vaccinated. He indicated the situation would have been worse if there weren’t so many vaccinated students at Portland schools.

“Three cases last year would’ve meant way more would have to quarantine — including staff, too,” Britton said.

This year, however, no faculty members have had to quarantine. Of all Portland school faculty and staff, 96 percent are fully vaccinated, Britton said.

He said the situation was more challenging last year when more students and staff had to quarantine.

“That’s what got us last year,” Britton said. “The strain on our sub pool is now dramatically decreased.”

COVID cases are starting to rise in school districts statewide. According to data from the state Department of Public Health, 751 students and 126 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the school year.

Britton emphasized the importance of the safety measures that have prevented Portland schools from having to close .

“The mitigation strategies are important,” Britton said.

These strategies include wearing a mask and social distancing when possible.

“We have pulled back on a lot of what we did last year,” Britton said. “That’s not something we have to do again.”

Britton said his strongest recommendation for school-age children is to get the vaccine if they are eligible. He added that he does not anticipate any additional efforts will be made by school officials to make that happen.

“I don’t really think we need to have an in-district clinic,” Britton said.

He said there are plenty of opportunities for eligible students to get vaccinated.

“It’s not a question of access, it’s a question of willingness,” Britton said.

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Portland schools have three COVID cases, resulting in about a dozen people quarantined, but the superintendent says vaccinations have helped to limit the spread.