2 New Coronavirus Cases In Branford Schools Brings Total To 12

BRANFORD, CT — There are now 12 cases of COVID-19 reported in Branford schools, according to schools superintendent Hamlet Hernandez.

In a letter to families, Hernandez said that in "recent days" there's been an uptick in cases to include a case at Branford High School and one at Mary R. Tisko Elementary School.

The people that tested positive haven't been in the schools since late October, Hernandez said, noting that both have been told to remain home in isolation and that anyone who would be considered a close contact of the two have already been contacted by school officials and/or public health officials and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take.

Hernandez repeated what he's said in all communications to families announcing cases that, "In collaboration with the East Shore Health Department, the District has determined that there is no reason to close school or cancel in-person classes due to the sufficiency of the District’s current cleaning protocols and mitigation measures."

Hernandez said that as the region sees its COVID-19 positivity rate increasing, the "district will continue to monitor the evolving crisis and appreciates your partnership in making choices that help to keep our staff, students, and community safe. "

The state Department of Public Health has begun to publish data on COVID-19 cases in Connecticut schools. The site updates every Thursday afternoon.