NEW HAVEN, Conn. — As a result of officials saying there were a number of cases of COVID-19 at First Student Bus, Inc., the city of New Haven said on Friday, it has extended the shut down for an additional two weeks.
First Student Bus, Inc. is contracted by New Haven Public Schools and other private and parochial schools in the district.
“We will be working with First Student to review employee protocols and disinfecting protocols so that we can resume operations on November 16th,” said New Haven Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Michael Pinto.
The City of New Haven announced on October 29, it will be reverting back to Phase 2 of COVID-19 restrictions. This is in a response to rising cases inside Elm City. City officials put an indefinite delay of New Haven Public Schools hybrid-school opening that was scheduled for November 9. Impacted students will continue to distance learn.
New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond added, “Once the Department of Public Health was notified of this outbreak, we immediately quarantined the individuals who tested positive, began a robust contact tracing investigation, and are now working diligently to ensure appropriate safety protocols are followed going forward. As a result, First Student, Inc. will cease all operations for the next two weeks. We anticipate there will be additional cases and will be sure to let the public know,” she concluded.
On Saturday, the company issued a statement:
At First Student, there is nothing more important than the safety, health and well-being of our students and employees. First Student is working with and supporting the efforts of the health department, city and school district. The employees who tested positive are in quarantine, and we will proactively test all other employees. We have told employees to self-monitor for symptoms and get tested again if they feel sick. We also have been in contact with all employees to reinforce appropriate safety, social distancing and cleanliness behaviors, both at our location and outside of the workplace. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.
The city has asked the company Thursday to disinfect the buses. Officials said the cases were related to a social gathering. Bond said, "We have been able to identify the source of the issues was due to a social gathering... and local party.'
