Keigwin Middle School Closes Due To Coronavirus Concerns

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Mayor Ben Florsheim and Superintendent Dr. Michael Conner announced the temporary closure of Keigwin Middle School.

"Late this evening, the City of Middletown (City) and Middletown Public Schools (MPS) were notified that a member of the Keigwin Grade 6 Middle School (Keigwin) community may have had contact with an individual in Connecticut who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus," the two top leaders said.

"Although we believe that this is a low risk circumstance, we have decided, out of an abundance of caution, to close Keigwin on Thursday, March 12, 2020 and Friday, March 13, 2020. The City and MPS Facility Departments are and will continue to work collaboratively and will spend extra time cleaning Keigwin over the next two days. All other MPS facilities will also be consistently and thoroughly cleaned each evening and on the upcoming weekend.

"At this juncture, the City and MPS believe there is a low risk to students and are not recommending that Keigwin students or families self-isolate. The City and MPS want to aggressively reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19, and will make a determination on when we will reopen the school based on the outcome of testing.

"We also stress no other schools are impacted at this point in time. In the event other measures become necessary, we will communicate appropriately as needed. In the meantime, Middletown Public Schools continues to work closely with the Middletown Health Department at staying up to date on information surrounding COVID-19.

"Please remember to wash your hands, do not shake other people's hands, and stay home if you are sick. Call your healthcare provider if you are showing flu-like symptoms. Residents with
questions about COVID-19 may contact the Middletown Health Department at (860) 638-4960."

Florsheim also said that the person from Keigwin who may have had contact with COVID-19 is "not a student and has NOT been on any school buses."

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