WATERBURY, Conn. — Eight Waterbury students have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday.
In an initial press release at midday on Sunday, they said that five students had tested positive. They then learned later in the afternoon of another two student cases, and then Sunday night, they announced another student case, and that a bus driver had tested positive. Some students have been attending "virtual" classes and had not been inside school buildings, others have not attended in-person school in over a week.
The students were enrolled in four different schools.
Generali Elementary School
- 1 in-person positive (specific cohort/class will transition to distance learning through Friday, September 25th)
- 3 virtual positives (students are enrolled in the Virtual Academy and have not been in the school building)
North End Middle School
- 2 virtual students positive (student is enrolled in the Virtual Academy and has not been in the school building)
Wallace Middle School
- 1 in-person positive (the student was last in the school building on Sept. 11th.)
Wilby High School
- 1 virtual student (student has been virtual since Thursday, Sept. 10th. The last day they were in the school building was the 9th.)
In a press release, officials said:
In all cases, per the District’s established protocol, the city’s Contact Tracing Team is engaged immediately. The team identifies close contacts and makes the appropriate notifications. The schools are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly as per defined protocol. We assure you that we are taking the steps necessary to protect the health of our students and staff.
The in-person students who test positive for COVID-19 are instructed to remain home in self-isolation for 10 days. Additionally, medical documentation is required prior to a return to in-person classes.
Late on Sunday, school system officials said they had also learned that school bus driver had tested positive. The District issued the following statement:
On Sunday, Superintendent Verna D. Ruffin was notified by the City of Waterbury Department of Public Health that a contracted Waterbury Public Schools bus driver tested positive for COVID-19. Per the District and All Star Transportation’s established protocols, the city’s Contact Tracing Team was engaged immediately. We have been advised by All Star that the driver wore a mask at all times while at the terminal and while on the bus with students. Each bus was cleaned thoroughly between school runs and at the end of the school day.
The driver has been instructed to remain in self-isolation for 14 days. We assure you that we are taking the steps necessary to protect the health of our students and staff.
