Stratford High School Student May Have Coronavirus

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford officials announced Saturday evening that a Stratford High School student may have the new coronavirus that is spreading across the state.

Officials referred to the new case as the town's "potential second presumptive case of COVID-19," and asked Stratford High students and staff to remain home and watch for symptoms, a town news release said. The case follows a diagnosis earlier in the week of a Wilcoxson Elementary School student with the virus. Wilcoxson students and staff have been directed to stay home and monitor their health for 14 days.

“Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread of the disease," Director of Health Andrea Boissevain said. "This means when the advice is to stay at home, that does not mean going to the mall, or getting together with friends. We need to be careful not to inadvertently expose those who are elderly or who are medically comprised.”

Since the Wilcoxson case was confirmed, there have been widespread closures and cancellations across town. All Stratford public schools are closed, with students scheduled to transition Monday to distance learning. Programs at the Baldwin Center, Sterling House Community Center, Stratford Library, Stratford YMCA and other community organizations have been limited or canceled.

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Mayor Laura Hoydick announced Friday she had declared a local civil preparedness emergency in Stratford. The declaration gives Hoydick additional authority to address a disaster or emergency, such as the ability to make staffing changes, allocate funds or provide insurance coverage to aid workers.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Connecticut rose Saturday to 20 as of 5 p.m., Gov. Ned Lamont said. Hartford and New Haven counties also saw their first cases over the past 24 hours.

For more information on the situation in Stratford, visit www.townofstratford.com, call 203-385-4090 or email health@townofstratford.com.