Schools' COVID-19 Cases, Positivity Rate Nearly Double In A Month

EAST HAVEN, CT — It was predicted that COVID-19 case numbers would shoot up after the recent holiday where some defied local, state and federal health guidance to avoid large social gatherings leading to a spike in positive cases. But, looking at the numbers in East Haven Public Schools, some have shared concerns about the uptick.

As of Thursday, there are 161 cases, 14 new just this week, 180 students and teachers are in quarantine and the positivity rate among students, which exactly a month ago was 2.75 percent, with 94 cases, now stands at 5.2 percent.

At the end of December, East Shore District Health director Michael A. Pascucilla told school board members that while "schools are the safest place," he urged the community to "do your part," and not hold New Year's Eve gatherings.

Pascucilla said at the time, "If we don't gather for New Year's Eve, we can prevent" the surge in case numbers that have been seen after Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

And he added that while the school district, working with the health department, has done a "good job so far."

But the health director offered a caution. He said that if case numbers double, "We'll get very concerned."

Patch emailed Pascucilla for comment. Should he reply, this post will be updated, so please check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on the East Haven Patch