Coronavirus Cases On The Rise In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Wallingford and COVID-19 is entering the school system as a result, according to Superintendent of Schools Salvatore Menzo.

The district notified families of several confirmed cases of COVID-19 at five different schools over the weekend.

“I do want to make it clear that it is entering our schools from the community,” Menzo said in a message to parents on Tuesday. “These cases are not indicative of a lack in cleaning or safety protocols of the district or lack of due diligence on the part of dedicated staff at all levels. The spread is a mere result of the increased presence of the virus in our town.

“With all of that said, I cannot stress social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing enough to everyone in our school and greater Wallingford community. This is not the time to go backwards in your personal efforts to maintain safety and good health. I know that the State of Connecticut moved into reopening Phase 3 last Thursday. That is a sign of fantastic progress; however, it must be entered into with caution at the same time.”

Menzo also said he’s been asked both when schools will go back to full-time for all students and why schools weren’t closed after the new COVID-19 cases were reported.

As far as going back to school full-time, Menzo said, “In consultation with the Wallingford Health Department, I can say with some certainty that we are months away from that occurring, if it does this year.”

“Yes, the State of Connecticut virus rate is low,” he said. “Yes, there is more testing being done than ever. The greatest fact that remains is that two or three cases across the district paralyzes how we can provide instruction for our students. Bringing all students back to only close more frequently would not, at this time, improve instruction for them.

“I know that this information is not what many want to hear or think should be done. The challenge that we must face is the community spread aspect of the virus. Yes, some towns have returned to school full time for all students. Their community spread trends most likely supported that decision.”

Menzo said the latest Wallingford data shows the community spread has “increased significantly in the past two weeks.”

“Therefore, contemplating a full reopening is not being considered at this time,” he said.

Menzo also explained why the administration didn’t close schools based on the recent new cases.

“As has been the plan in the other schools with cases, we did not close Sheehan High School, Moran Middle School, Moses Y. Beach Elementary School, Lyman Hall High School, or Cook Hill Elementary School at this time,” he said. “The main reason to close a school would be if we needed more time to contact trace. That was why Dag was closed a month ago. We are monitoring the situation daily, and the Health Department is offering us guidance in such decisions. We are also consulting each Tuesday at 8 a.m. with state epidemiologists and the CT DPH.

“Again, I know this is stressful for students, families, and staff, but we are handling this situation the exact way that other districts are doing so. Above all else and most importantly, we are in alignment and honoring with all medical and health guidance provided.”