3 West Islip School Staff Members Confirmed To Have Coronavirus

WEST ISLIP, NY — Three staff members from West Islip schools tested positive for the coronavirus, the school district announced on Sunday. According to the letter from Superintendent Bernadette Burns, the three newly confirmed cases were from Beach Street Middle School, Bayview Elementary School and Oquenock Elementary schools. The local health department have opened an investigation will contact those identified as being close contact with the individuals. The health department will also determine it there are any concerns about an exposure in the building or district.

"I recognize the anxiety that these notices cause within our community, but the district is not permitted to share health information about any student or staff member," Burns wrote in the letter. "Our thoughts are with those in our community who are struggling with coronavirus and other illnesses."

On March 11, district officials announced that a Bayview Elementary School employee tested positive for the virus. West Islip schools have been closed to students since March 12. Suffolk County Steve Bellone announced last Sunday that all schools in the county will be closed for two weeks.

However, the district’s outdoor facilities remain open as of Monday, except for all basketball courts and playgrounds, which are closed.