Milford Schools Recommend Mask Use Amid COVID-19 Case Clusters

MILFORD, CT — Milford school officials are strongly encouraging students and staff to wear a well-fitting mask as coronavirus transmission rates increase in Milford and COVID-19 clusters appear across the district. The school district won't require mask use.

Clusters are appearing by classroom, school and in groups such as athletic teams, Superintendent Anna Cutaia said in a letter to the school community.

"Although we are experiencing a rise in positive cases locally and across the state, we believe that the wide collection of mitigation strategies in place in our schools will be sufficient as we continue to work on containing the spread of the virus," Cutaia wrote.

Masks will be available for anyone who wants one in school buildings.

"While the wearing of masks will continue to remain optional, we strongly encourage all students and staff members to consider wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public during this period of increased positive cases," Cutaia said.

Testing for COVID-19 has helped contain spread in schools, Cutaia said. The district recommends taking a test after attending large-scale events such as concerts and field trips. Positive cases should be reported to the school nurse's office.

"If clusters of cases are identified, the school nurse will continue to send home a letter along with at-home test kits with instructions as to when to test based on cases identified," Cutaia said.