Vernon School Bus Driver Tests Positive For Coronavirus

VERNON, CT — The first positive coronavirus test related to the Vernon public school system has been confirmed.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said he was notified Thursday that it was a First Student bus driver. He sent a letter out to the parents shortly after hearing about the positive test.

Macary said the driver has been instructed to remain home in self-isolation for 14 days and has been provided with "additional instructions to follow prior" to returning to work. Family members have also been instructed to self-quarantine and get tested, he added.

The last day the driver was on board a bus was Tuesday, Macary said.

He Said anyone who is considered a "close contact" with the bus driver "has been contacted or will be contacted by the bus transportation company or local health officials and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take."

When asked which bus is was, Macary said he could not divulge the information because of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The seat directly behind the bus is also left empty, he said.