Brookfield Schools Switch To Remote After 2 Coronavirus Cases

BROOKFIELD, CT The Brookfield Public Schools will be switching to all distance learning, effective Wednesday.

The move is the recommendation of Dr. Raymond Sullivan, the Brookfield public health director, following a report that a member of the Whisconier Middle School and a member of the Huckleberry Elementary School communities have tested positive for coronavirus.

"Currently, we have had no identified in-school transmission; however, the spread continues to climb in the community within families, which is driving this decision," Superintendent John Barile said in an email to parents Tuesday night.

Remote learning will continue every day with the intention of returning to the hybrid attendance model on Nov. 5, Barile said.

Both of the patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are quarantining at home for 14 days, according to an email Barile sent to parents Tuesday morning.

"Anyone who is considered a 'close contact' with these individuals has been contacted by now or will be contacted very soon and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take, which includes quarantine for 14 days," Barile said.

The hiccup has not altered the district's plans to return to full in-person learning for Kindergarten through Grade 8 on Nov. 9. Barile told parents he would continue to "evaluate the health data" and consult with Sullivan.

COVID-19 is spread mainly via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. Cases are on the rise in Connecticut, according to the latest data from the state Department of Public Health.