2nd Confirmed Coronavirus Case At Wallingford Middle School

WALLINGFORD, CT — A second person associated with Dag Hammarskjold Middle School in Wallingford has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to officials.

Officials were notified Tuesday that another person associated with the school district and at Dag tested positive for the virus. In working with the Wallingford Health Department, officials determined that the COVID-19 confirmed case was “in close contact with one or more people while in a school setting,” according to Superintendent of Schools Salvatore Menzo.

“The Wallingford Public School District, in collaboration with the Wallingford Health Department, initiated a case investigation at Dag Hammarskjold Middle School and contact tracing activities to identify all individuals who may have been in close contact with the Case,” Menzo wrote in a message to parents. “Only individuals identified as close contacts will be notified directly.”

The school was closed for two days after officials were notified on Sunday that a person associated with Dag had tested positive for COVID-19. All students participated in distance learning on Monday and Tuesday while the school was closed.

As of Tuesday afternoon, students in Group 2 are scheduled to return to the building on Wednesday, while students in Group 1 will return on Friday. Students on Team 6-2 and Team 8-2 should not report to school and should continue to participate in distance learning from home as they did for the past two days, according to the message.

Those who are considered to be “close contacts” of the positive case have been contacted by the administration.

“The Wallingford Public School District and Wallingford Health Department will continue to work cooperatively to ensure that all Contacts have information on how to protect themselves and others,” according to the joint message signed by Menzo, Wallingford Health Director Stephen A. Civitelli and Nurse Coordinator Kathy Neelon. “Information related to case investigations is confidential and private health information will not be disclosed by the Wallingford Public School District and Wallingford Health Department.

“The Wallingford Public School District and Wallingford Health Department are committed to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. We continue to proactively monitor illness of students and staff, apply cleaning protocols, and social distancing practices. We will continue to review the circumstances of this case and will make any necessary adjustments in our plans.”