Attleboro HS students who came into contact with COVID-19-positive classmate ordered to quarantine

ATTLEBORO, Mass. — Some students at Attleboro High School will have to quarantine after a classmate tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the superintendent tells Boston 25.

On Tuesday morning, school officials learned a student had tested positive for COVID-19 and had attended school on Monday.

“This unacceptable outcome was caused by delays in the reporting timeline, not a breakdown in our safety protocols,” said Attleboro High School Superintendent David A. Sawyer.

In an email to parents and guardians, Sawyer said school nurses promptly contacted everyone who came into close contact with the student and that they and their families should quarantine for 14 days. According to Sawyer, this involves students at other schools as well.

“I understand that this inevitable moment is stressful for many,” said Sawyer. “However, it shouldn’t change anything. The guidance from the state cannot ensure a virus-free environment, especially considering we know that some carriers are asymptomatic."

School officials have made it clear that they’re not currently making any changes to the current learning model due to this incident. A hybrid model will stay in place unless they are not able to contain the virus' spread.

“We will continue to monitor all of the data and act accordingly at both the school and district levels,” said Sawyer.

Massachusetts schools have been working diligently with the Department of Public Health to ensure proper contact tracing and to contribute to health data accurately.

School started on Monday, Sept. 14 for Attleboro High School students.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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