Brookfield Schools Pause 'Screen & Stay' Program

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Public Schools are pausing their participation in the state's "Screen & Stay" program which relaxes coronavirus quarantine restrictions.

Under the program, students and staff identified as having had close contact to a COVID-19 case but who are not yet fully vaccinated are able to remain in school if they were wearing masks and don't develop symptoms.

"Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Connecticut and Brookfield, the Health Department has recommended that the school district immediately stop implementing the Screen & Stay protocol," school officials announced in an email to the community Wednesday.

The program will be suspended in Brookfield Public Schools effective Dec. 9, and remain on hold "for the remainder of December into January," according to the statement.

Unvaccinated students who come into close contact with those who have tested positive for the virus must return to the district quarantine protocol under the revised regulations.

School officials said they would "reassess COVID metrics" after the winter recess, and directed parents' inquiries to their children's school nurse,