Mass. reports 129 new COVID-19 cases among students, 73 among school staff at districts across the state

Massachusetts officials are reporting 129 new positive coronavirus cases among students and 73 new cases among staff at public school districts across the Bay state. 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released its weekly report Thursday on COVID-19 in schools, which only reflects confirmed coronavirus cases reported by districts to state officials between Oct. 15 and Oct. 21. Being the fourth week the state has released the data, the new report brings the combined total of cases among students to 388 and for staff to 233.

The data reflects cases reported at charter schools, collaboratives, and approved special education schools, though it excludes any COVID-19 diagnoses for students learning in fully remote models. The numbers also exclude any diagnoses for “staff that have not been in district buildings during the seven days prior to the report of the positive case.” 

According to the state, the districts reporting more than a handful of cases include Methuen (6 among students), Lincoln-Sudbury (6 among students), and Northboro-Southboro (5 among students.)

View the full reports from the state here.