Milford Schools Urge Sick Students And Staff To Stay Home

MILFORD, CT — Respiratory virus season is in full swing in Connecticut, and Milford schools are trying to keep transmission down throughout the district as students return from winter break.

"It’s no secret that the prevalence of three health concerns – influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 – are on the rise and, unfortunately, these cause great concern for all of us, especially children," she said in a letter to the school community.

The district gave students a COVID-19 test kit before winter break and requested that they be tested before returning to school Jan. 3.

State health officials reported more than 4,700 weekly COVID-19 cases throughout Connecticut on Monday and a positive test rate of 15.93 percent; cases are likely vastly undercounted due to the prevalence of at-home testing. Milford had 85 reported weekly cases. Statewide, there were 719 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Dec. 31.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that New Haven County residents wear a mask while indoors in the public

Below is the full letter from Cutaia:

Dear Milford Public Schools Staff and Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season and had some time to relax, to rest, and to reflect as we all said goodbye to 2022.

Believe it or not, for part of the holiday break I traveled to Buffalo during their weather crisis. To be honest, my short stay there provided me with a profound and renewed sense of the best that comes from people when dire circumstances emerge. As I watched their strong sense of community, I was reminded of our very own Milford community and the many times residents have been called to action to help and did so – selflessly and admirably.

Once again, there is a need for our community to come together. It’s no secret that the prevalence of three health concerns – influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 – are on the rise and, unfortunately, these cause great concern for all of us, especially children. While we continue to do everything we can across the district to stem the transmission of illness among staff and students, we need your help in our quest to keep everyone safe and healthy -- just as the residents of Buffalo did for each other last week. As we prepare for our return to school, I am asking you to remember and use these basic tools:

• If students or staff are ill, please stay home.
• Be vigilant in washing your hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Contact your school nurse if you have questions or concerns about your or your child’s health.

By working together, we can help keep our entire community healthy. I am looking forward to continuing the great work we began this school year and can’t wait to see you again tomorrow. Thank you, as always, for your partnership.

With warm regards,

Anna M. Cutaia, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools