COVID-19 Cluster In New York Linked To High School Graduation

UPDATE 2 p.m. — The cluster is up to 14 cases, Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherita Amler announced Monday afternoon.

CHAPPAQUA, NY — A coronavirus cluster in New York linked to a high school graduation ceremony and parties in an upscale suburban community has reached 13 cases, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday morning.

The outbreak has led to mandatory quarantine orders for everyone who attended the events.

"It is the responsibility of local governments to enforce compliance," Cuomo said at a morning news conference.

Cuomo announced Saturday that the outbreak in Chappaqua is under investigation by the New York State Department of Health. He said it started when a teenager who had recently traveled to Florida attended Horace Greeley High School graduation events. The teen began showing COVID-19 symptoms and tested positive.

Not only graduating seniors but other HGHS students and teenagers from other communities in Westchester County also attended graduation parties, including a large one called Field Night.

Chappaqua schools Superintendent Christine Ackerman told the community people at the graduation ceremony did not follow the pandemic protocol.

"The Greeley graduation was a carefully planned event that strictly followed Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders and all NYS Department of Health Guidelines. The District repeatedly provided clear guidance and protocols for families that complied with all applicable health and safety orders and guidelines," she wrote on the district's website. "Unfortunately, at the event, and despite police presence, numerous individuals failed to follow our protocols."

The graduation ceremony was organized as a drive-in event and held at a municipal parking lot at the Chappaqua train station.

SEE MORE:

• State Health Commissioner Warns Chappaqua Of COVID-19 Cases
• NY To Probe Coronavirus Outbreak After HS Graduation Ceremony
• Chappaqua Students Reported Infected With New Coronavirus