Woburn Schools Delay Opening To Give Staff Testing Time

WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Schools delayed opening by two hours Monday due to the surging omicron variant of coronavirus.

The delay was designed to give staff time to self-test for the virus and the district time to staff up all buildings in case the virus affects staffing availability.

Superintendent Matthew Crowley announced the planned delay Friday as district officials awaited coronavirus self-tests promised by the state.

"We learned on Wednesday afternoon that the state will be supplying COVID tests for all educators to self-administer prior to the start of school," Crowley said. "Unfortunately, these tests that were supposed to be available for pick up today December 31, 2021 have been delayed as of 9:30 last night. We are hoping to have them for staff on Monday, and is in part the reason for the delayed opening."

The district also hoped to accommodate any staff issues that resulted from that testing and from the virus.

"Given the number of anticipated absences, we want to ensure that we can open all schools safely on Monday," Crowley said. "The delay will allow time to appropriately staff our buildings. The number of Massachusetts residents testing positive for COVID this week has raised our concern with regard to the number of staff that we will have available on Monday."

Crowley also said there could be transportation disruptions due to staffing shortfalls and promised to update families if any occur.

Patch has requested updates on staffing and transportation and will update this story to reflect any comments from the district.

Finally, Crowley shared the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on isolation. Any children with coronavirus symptoms are still asked to remain home, but the federal agency has shortened its isolation guidelines from 10 days to 5 days, for those who test positive.

"Stay home for 5 days. If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house," Crowley said. "Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves."

The Test & Stay Program will remain in place, with the number of testing days shortened to five. Unvaccinated close contacts must quarantine for at least five days.

Read the full message from Crowley.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.