WAKEFIELD — According to the latest data, COVID cases in the town’s schools are going down.
In an update late Friday afternoon, Supt. Doug Lyons told parents and guardians, “We are seeing a decrease in our overall cases and are continuing with our mitigation strategies and protocols. We are feeling hopeful that cases will continue to improve.”
Last week, there were 95 new cases among public school student and 16 new cases reported among staff. A total of 66 children were in quarantine.
During the previous week, there were 168 new positive COVID results among students and 30 among staff. There were 116 kids and two staff members in quarantine.
Lyons continues in his latest update:
“Additionally, we have administered 78 tests at the Doyle, 128 tests at the elementary level, 27 tests at the middle school level and 25 tests at the high school level as part of the Symptomatic and Test and Stay Programs during the week of 1.18.22. We can report that 3 tests were positive, with all other test results negative.
“We urge parents to continue to keep their children home if they are symptomatic. Although not required by the BOH, if anyone in the home is sick or symptomatic and awaiting a COVID test result, you may choose to keep well students home out of an abundance of caution until the individual receives their test results.
“These new cases, when added to the Wakefield COVID data dashboard numbers, bring our total case numbers, both active and recovered cases, to 970 students and 179 staff members. As stated above, these new cases have been reported to the Wakefield Board of Health and have been reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
“The Wakefield Health Department will host a COVID booster vaccination clinic on Wednesday, February 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hurd School, located at 27 Cordis St. The clinic is open to individuals aged 12 and over. The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at this event.
“Pre Registration is required; secure your appointment online today. Individuals from Wakefield who do not have a computer or who otherwise need assistance registering can contact the Wakefield Senior Center at 781-245-3312. Those outside of Wakefield are urged to call their local Senior Centers or the state’s 2-1-1 helpline.
“This event will provide boosters only; individuals seeking a first or second dose should visit https://vaxfinder.mass.gov to find a nearby vaccination location.
“If you have any questions about the clinic or the vaccination process, connect with our Health Department at (781) 246-6375.
“We are committed to timely communication to support all of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact me, Doug Lyons at doug.lyons@wpsk12.org or Kara Mauro at kara.mauro@wpsk12.org.”
