Momaquin School Shuttered After New Cases, Staff Shortage

EAST HAVEN, CT — Three new cases of coronavirus at Momauguin School and the resulting staff shortage has closed the school at least until March 15, according to a letter to families from East Haven schools Superintendent Erica Forti.

And, after consulting with East Shore District Heath Department, the school "will further our efforts with our already enhanced cleaning schedule while closely monitoring the reported cases," Forti wrote.

"The number of Momauguin staff required to quarantine as a result of these cases will not allow the school to safely and appropriately staff the classrooms at Momauguin," Forti wrote.

As of Wednesday, according to the school district's COVID-19 case tracker, there have been 10 new cases reported since Monday, half of which are school staff. There are 261 in quarantine across the district and a cumulative total of 227 coronavirus cases in the school district.

"As such, in accordance with our plan and out of an abundance of caution, Momauguin students and staff will transition to a full remote learning model" starting Thursday.

Forti said the plan is to have students and staff "tentatively" return on March 15, but only after health department clearance.

Forti said Momauguin Principal Diane MacKinnon will follow-up with additional information and virtual learning details for Momauguin parents and families in preparation for this transition.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.