Port Washington Schools Resume In-Person Learning After Closing

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A day after two Port Washington schools were forced to close due to positive tests for COVID-19, the district said the buildings will reopen Wednesday.

As Patch previously reported, the district learned Monday that a student at Paul D. Schreiber High School and another at John J. Daly Elementary School tested positive for the disease, which is caused by the coronavirus. The Nassau County Department of Health immediately began contact tracing while crews sanitized and cleaned the buildings. Schreiber and Daly were closed Tuesday out of an abundance of caution, and students and staff were asked to follow a full remote day of instruction.

On Tuesday, Michael Hynes, superintendent of the Port Washington Union Free School District, said the Nassau County Department of Health completed its contact tracing investigation and determined that both students and staff can return to the buildings Wednesday for in-person learning.

"Please be assured, the District has followed all building sanitizing and cleaning protocols and looks forward to seeing everyone tomorrow," Hynes said.

He added: "I ask that you please continue to monitor your child(ren) closely for any sign of potential illness and complete the District’s Student Health Screening each morning prior to the start of school."

School districts across Long Island have seen positive tests in the opening days of the new school year, including Seaford, Syosset, Oyster Bay and New Hyde Park.