New coronavirus cases were reported in the Mineola school district and the Sewanhaka Central High School District, according to the state’s newly implemented online COVID-19 report card.
A total of eight students in the Sewanhaka school district and four in the Mineola school district had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Tuesday, according to state figures. Additionally, one staff member or teacher from each school district had tested positive, according to the state’s website.
State figures showed that five students at Floral Park Memorial High School had tested positive for the virus as of Tuesday, but all were classified as off-site cases, meaning they were not attending in-person classes. Two other off-site student cases were reported at Sewanhaka High School and one on-site student case was reported at H. Frank Carey High School.
Additionally, one off-site staff member or teacher tested positive at New Hyde Park Memorial High School as of Friday, according to the state.
“The Department of Health has also advised the district that our practice of maintaining six feet of social distance and requiring the wearing of masks is a best practice against the spread of the virus in our buildings,” Sewanhaka Superintendent James Grossane said in a letter on Friday. “We are extremely proud of our students throughout the district, and they have done an outstanding job with social distancing, hygiene, mask wearing, and acting in a responsible manner.”
In Mineola, according to the state report card, two Hampton Street School students had tested positive for the virus, one on site and the other off site. One student from Mineola High School tested positive and another student and one staff member or teacher tested positive at Mineola Middle School. Both students were on-site cases, while the staff member or teacher was off site.
“Information gathered by the DOH contact tracers will be used to determine any additional precautionary measures,” Mineola Superintendent Michael Nagler said in a letter to parents. “If you or your child is considered a close contact, a Department of Health representative will contact you with instructions.”
Officials from both school districts said the family members of the infected person were contacted and contact tracing will be conducted by the Nassau County Department of Health with the help of district administrators. The students are required to quarantine under the guidelines from the Health Department and are unable to return to in-person learning until health officials provide written clearance.
The online report card was implemented by the state to track the status of the virus in school districts, charter schools, private schools, state universities and other higher education facilities throughout New York. Each entity is required to provide results to a county Department of Health, which then relays the confirmed data to state officials.
“Facts empower people to make informed decisions for the health and safety of themselves and their families,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The COVID-19 Report Card will give parents, faculty and students the most up-to-date information on the status of their school and their school district’s testing and results. I urge our school communities to stay vigilant and be smart.”
The two school districts join the Great Neck school district and the Port Washington school district to have at least one student test positive for the coronavirus on the North Shore.
