13 Barrington High Students, 1 Staff Member Contract COVID-19

BARRINGTON, RI — Thirteen Barrington High School students and one staff member tested positive for the coronavirus, school officials said in a letter sent to families Tuesday night.

Principal Joseph Hurley told parents several of the cases stemmed from school sports and other associated activities.

"We would like to remind our students to maintain COVID protocols on and off the field, including avoiding the sharing of water bottles, masking where required and social distancing," Hurley said in the letter.

Most students can still attend in person classes. Those that have been identified as close contacts have already been contacted by school officials and told to stay home, Hurley said.

Hurley said school officials first learned of two positive cases on Sunday. School officials became aware of the rest of the cases Monday and Tuesday. According to Hurley, eight of the positive cases are seniors, two are juniors and three are sophomores.

Hurley said at least 13 unvaccinated students were identified as close contacts and were asked to get tested and quarantine. He also said all staff members have been vaccinated and will be tested, but they are allowed to remain in their classrooms.