The number of reported positive cases of COVID-19 in public schools among students dropped for the third week and for the fifth week among staff. 462 new cases were reported among students and 212 cases reported among staff who had been in-person during the previous seven days.
In addition, each positive case represents one individual who must isolate until no longer contagious and all close contacts (including exposed colleagues, peers and household members) may also be required to quarantine for up to 14 days.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reports the number of COVID-19 cases by school districts (including charter schools), collaboratives, and approved special education schools each week as reported by the district. The data represents the number of staff or students who reported as positive for the previous week based on the DESE definitions:
- Reported positive cases for students: Number of reported positive cases for students who are learning in hybrid or in-person learning models and have been in a district school within the seven days prior to the report of the positive case (excludes students learning in fully remote models).
- Reported positive cases for staff: Number of reported positive cases for district staff members who have been in a district building within the seven days prior to the report of the positive case (excludes staff that have not been in district buildings during the seven days prior to the report of the positive case).
The weekly reports are available here.
Additional self-reported data on positive COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts public schools can be viewed and reported in the Stop the Spread tool.