COVID-19 Cases Dip In Reading Schools

READING, MA — Coronavirus cases in the Reading Public Schools fell last week, Superintendent John Doherty said Sunday. Many of the students who tested positive for COVID-19 were remote as well.

"We believe a combination of our district going remote last week, combined with the work that families and staff are doing with preventative measures contributed to the lower numbers," Doherty said.

The cases last week were as follows:

• 3 RMHS students tested positive. All three students were remote and there was no in school exposure. However, all three are in season athletes and, as a result, 9 other athletes had to quarantine. Unfortunately, this results in one of our teams being quarantined until 1/21.
• 2 Coolidge Middle School students tested positive. Both students were remote and there was no in school exposure.
• 4 Elementary Students (Eaton, Birch Meadow, Killam) test positive. All four students were remote and there was no in school exposure.
• 1 RMHS Staff Member test positive. As a result, 4 staff members and 2 students have been quarantined.

Additionally, school nurses received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine along with first responders last week. Nurses in the Reading Public Schools will play a pivotal role in administering the vaccine in the schools and the community at-large.