2 Beverly Students Test Positive For Coronavirus

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly Superintendent of Schools Sue Charochak is urging parents and students closely adhere to school coronavirus-related protocols after she said Beverly Schools saw their first two positive cases reported on Tuesday.

Charochak said in a letter to the parents that the cases occurred in students in the middle school and high school.

"It is important to remember that the purpose of all the precautions and safety measures that we have implemented is to stop the spread of the virus within the school community," Charochak said. "All of these precautions require a seamless partnership between families and schools in order for students to understand how to protect themselves and others."

Charochak said the reports she's received said students have been "amazing" in adapting to new routines and procedures, and teachers say the compliance to the new protocols is "exemplary."

Still, the positive cases come after strong debate in the city whether the students should be back in the classrooms so soon — with some arguing for extended remote learning. They also come in the same week that Beverly High fall athletes began interscholastic competitions against other Northeastern Conference teams in cross country, field hockey, golf and soccer.

This weekend, the Beverly Board of Health decided not to allow the city to advance into step two of phase 3 of the state's reopening — which would have allowed for tables of 10 at restaurants, sizes of public gatherings and store capacities to increase and the opening of roller skating rinks, laser tag venues and store fitting rooms — despite having relatively low transmission of the virus in the city, according to state statistics.

"I want to ask you to please take a moment to review with your child how these precautions are necessary outside of school as well and how they will help prevent the spread and protect you and your family in these times," Charochak said. "Whether walking to and from school, playing on the playground or in the neighborhood, wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance is an important of keeping us all safe along with the hand hygiene measures we are all participating in.

"And, finally, for all families, a reminder to stay home if you are not feeling well."

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