Reading Students Flunk COVID-19 Protocols Outside School

READING, MA — Coronavirus health and safety protocols do not extend beyond the classroom for some Reading students, Superintendent John Doherty said. In his latest update to families over the weekend, Doherty said he has noticed that outside school, students are not taking precautions like wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

The district has also received reports from concerned community members, Doherty added.

"Other school districts have had to go fully remote for at least a few days and in some cases, up to two weeks, because of students or staff testing positive," Doherty wrote. "We want to minimize those risks as much as possible, and we ask for [families'] support in educating your children the importance of following proper health precautions."

Four students and one school staff member tested positive for the coronavirus in Reading last week. Reading was upgraded from a low-risk, or "green," town to a moderate-risk, or "yellow," community in the state's weekly public health report Friday.