N. Adams Public Confirms COVID-19 Case at Drury High School

North Adams Public Schools has reported a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Drury High School. The announcement comes shortly after Pittsfield Public Schools confirmed teachers at Conte Middle School, Reed Middle School and a student at Pittsfield High had tested positive as well.

North Adams Public Schools officials made the announcement via their Facebook page. Officials did not specify whether the individual was a student or a staff member. This the second time a member of the NAPS community has tested positive since hybrid learning has been in effect.

Anyone who might have been exposed has already been notified, but the school district did not elaborate on how many people had been exposed.

The school's full statement reads below.

We would like to inform you that we have recently received information regarding one confirmed case of COVID-19 in an individual at Drury High School.

Cleaning and disinfecting of the exposed location will be completed per DPH and CDC guidance. Every individual with a potential exposure has been given instructions on the course of action they need to take, including self-isolating and testing if directed. Please note that all information, including the name(s) of ill persons, shared regarding any Public Health investigation is confidential in order to protect patient privacy.

The district has coordinated with the Department of Public Health and will follow all recommendations. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Nurse Leader for the district, Lauren Gage, at 413-662-3240 ext. 2303 or lgage@napsk12.org.

How Can You Help:

Be proactive about reducing the number of interactions that students and staff have with one another by practicing physical distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart) to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition to physical distancing, another important tool to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to practice good hygiene. Important public health prevention messages include:

• Stay at home when you are sick.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizer can be used.

• Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue, and then dispose of the tissue and clean your hands immediately. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve, not your hands, to cover the cough or sneeze.

• Limit close contact with people who are sick, and avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

• All students and staff must wear a mask at all times in public, other than while seated and eating.

Thank you for your participation in keeping our staff and students safe.

Assistant Superintendent Kim Roberts-Morandi said the district is working with state public health officials and the state Department of Education to determine what other steps it needs to take beyond today's notification.