Newton's Zervas Elementary Reports 7 New Coronavirus Cases

NEWTON, MA — Zervas Elementary School reported seven new coronavirus cases this week, sparking concern from parents and community members.

Since Friday, Oct. 22, two students tested positive and were symptomatic and five other students were asymptomatic and discovered through weekly pool testing.

"I understand this news may be concerning to some of you," said Zervas Principal Diana Beck in a letter to families. "Please be assured that I have been in constant communication with our school nurse and Newton Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure we are following proper protocols. HHS is monitoring the cases for any evidence of in-school transmission."

If health officials determine that there is cluster of cases due to in-school transmission, HHS would consult with an epidemiologist from the Massachusetts Department of Health, Said Beck. In the meantime, Zervas is implementing the following protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

• Reminding students of the importance of following the school's health guidelines, including mask-wearing, regular hand cleaning, and monitoring how they are feeling.
• Having students eat outdoors when possible and distancing students when they eat indoors.
• Ensuring the school's ventilation systems are operating as designed.

All school-based close contacts who have consented to testing are participating in a “Test and Stay” program, which allows the school to test unvaccinated asymptomatic individuals who were exposed to COVID at school to be tested daily for at least five days from the time of exposure. Zervas also continued to have ongoing pool testing.

For updates on COVID-19 cases at Zervas, click here.