Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue announced in a letter to district parents and staff that a school community member has tested positive for COVID-19, and, following an investigation and contact tracing, Newtown Public Schools will remain open.

The letter follows.

Dear Parents and Staff:

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, we were notified that a member of the school community tested positive for COVID-19. The individual experienced symptoms on Saturday, September 5, and sought COVID-19 testing. We have not received any other reports of staff or students who have experienced symptoms or signs of illness. In partnership with the district, Newtown’s Department of Health conducted contact tracing as part of its protocol. Through investigation and consultation with the affected individual, the Department of Health feels confident that Newtown Public Schools can remain open.

School and health department officials have reached out to any staff and the parents/guardians of children who may have had the potential for close contact. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes. For those of you who have had no exposure or direct contact with a positive case, then you will not be notified. Please refer again to the specific steps in the identification, investigation, and communication of cases outlined in our previous letter: COVID letter. This document is also posted on our website.

We will continue to monitor closely the health conditions of our students and staff. As part of our Re-Entry Plan, we are employing mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of infection through: mandatory face covering, frequent cleaning/disinfection, and social distancing.

Our priority is the health and safety of all members of our school community. We want to remind families to continue to conduct daily health screenings before sending students to school. Information regarding the self-check is highlighted in the following link: Daily self check.

Thank you again for all of your efforts as a community.

Sincerely,

Lorrie Rodrigue, Superintendent