Madison Schools See 1st 'Potential' In-School COVID Transmission

MADISON, NJ — Madison Public Schools saw its first "potential" case of in-school coronavirus transmission, Superintendent Mark Schwarz announced Wednesday. The exposure and potential transmission occurred at the elementary level, with a student possibly spreading COVID-19 to a teacher.

The school district is working closely with health officials to gather relevant data.

The update came as Madison Public Schools got ready for winter break. Schwarz asked everyone for continued vigilance and for parents to continue reporting positive COVID-19 results to Madison schools.

"Please note that the district remains committed to maintaining a safe and sanitary learning environment for all students as well as staff," Schwarz wrote. "Parents and students can assist in these efforts by remaining diligent with safety procedures, including the guidance above."

The superintendent expressed some optimism though, saying the new case rate and positivity rate have declined in New Jersey's weekly transmission report. The most recent came out Dec. 12, with the entire state labeled as "high" risk — as opposed to "very high" risk — of coronavirus transmission.

Madison Public Schools have reported 72 coronavirus cases so far this year but had not reported any in-school transmission. See the district's COVID-19 dashboard for more details.

The Borough of Madison reported the following coronavirus statistics Wednesday:

• 354 cases since the pandemic began
• 119 total probable cases
• 61 total cases in longterm-care facilities
• 25 active cases
• 18 deaths

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