Reading Phases In 2 More Grades, Reports Additional Remote Cases

READING, MA — The Reading Public Schools started phasing in hybrid learning for fourth and fifth grade this week. Cohort A began in-person classes Monday, while Cohort B will start the week of Nov. 23.

Meanwhile, the district has reported a number of positive COVID-19 tests among students, many of whom have been remote. Superintendent John Doherty said Sunday two students from Reading Memorial High School and one student from Coolidge Middle School tested positive for the virus. All students were remote for "the last several days and have not been in school," Doherty said.

That's on top of the eight students and one staff member who tested positive over the past two weeks. Of those eight students, five were remote. Doherty said that all students and staff who were close contacts of the positive cases have tested negative so far.

Many returned to school Monday after their quarantine ended, Doherty said. The superintendent urged families to remain vigilant amid rising case rates in Reading.

"We are all experiencing pandemic fatigue. We have been restricted in what we can and can't do for over eight months now," Doherty said. "However, we need to be more diligent than ever in our health and safety practices. Our infection rates both locally and throughout the state are increasing. We need everyone to work together, both inside and outside of school."