Above: The public Schools revised the format for its weekly graph on isolations & quarantines, reflecting revised policies on who does and doesn’t need to stay home.(click to enlarge)
The Northborough-Southborough schools’ issued its weekly Dashboard yesterday for April 26 – May 2. The data shows six new cases were confirmed across the districts. This morning, the Town updated Southborough’s Covid-19 figures. Two new cases were confirmed since Fridays data.
NSBORO Update
Last week’s cases brings the total of NSBORO cases (for in-person schooling) to 301 for this school year. While the screening/testing program remains well below the 80% goals, it identified two asymptomatic students last week.
This week’s Dashboard included a revised graph format (up top) that highlights revised policies on quarantines. It now splits risks due to “contact” into two categories.
Previously, close contacts were defined as being within 6 feet of someone confirmed with Covid for 15+ minutes over 24 hours. Anyone who met that definition was required to quarantine.
This spring, full in-person schooling and buses have some students now sitting only 3 feet apart. (The change was based on guidance from the CDC and data showing low risk of virus spread in the schools.) The district is now using less than 3 feet to determine close contacts.
For those who fall into the 3-6 foot range of contact, there is a new category (classified as “Modified contact” on the graph). Instead of quarantining, they are asked to monitor symptoms closely. (They are also encouraged to get tested.)
Last week 17 students/staff were listed under Modified Contact. In addition, 85 students and staff were kept home – isolated or quarantined. ¾ of those were due to Travel over spring break.
You can find the administration’s revised quarantine policies – including the most recent travel guidelines – below:
- Updated Close Contact Quarantine Classroom/Bus
- Identifying Close Contacts (<3 feet and 3-6 feet)
- District Travel Guidelines (Domestic and International)
- Close Contact Quarantine Guidelines
Below are charts and info from the Sunday’s Dashboard and my tracking of their data since the start of the school year. (My graphs have been reformatted to reflect the district’s changes.)
Town of Southborough Update
The Town’s data as of 10:00 am this morning, brings the number of confirmed cases to 18 in almost two weeks and 499 over the course of the pandemic. 46 are currently labeled active. (For details, click on graphs below.)
Click here for a reminder of information on the Town’s Vaccine Clinics and here for the most recent report on progress vaccinating residents.
