May 18, 2022
COVID Data and Masking
Over the past few weeks, Newton Public Schools has seen a rise in COVID cases, leading to staff and student absences. District wide, for the week of May 11-18, 2022, there were 359 student cases and 42 staff cases. The prior week (May 5-11, 2022), there were 331student cases and 62 staff cases. You can access current Newton-specific COVID data on the Newton HHS website:
City of Newton COVID Case Data
Newton Public Schools COVID Case Data
Given the increase in cases in our community, the Newton Public Schools STRONGLY recommends students and staff wear a mask. A well-fitting, high quality mask is very effective in reducing the transmission of COVID.
In addition, Newton Health and Human Services, in accordance with CDC guidelines, continues to advise the following,:
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider taking additional precautions.
Newton Public Schools will continue to notify families of COVID cases using our regular frequency of notification (based upon grade levels.) Families should use this data to assess their own level of risk based upon their family’s circumstances.
COVID Protocols for Isolation and Quarantine
If you test positive for COVID:
- Self-isolation for a minimum of 5 days after symptom onset OR after positive PCR or antigen test, if asymptomatic.
Return to school after 5 days and once individuals have:
Been without fever for 24 hours (and without taking fever-reducing medications)
Experienced improvement in other symptoms
Following the 5-day isolation period, wear a mask for 5 additional days when around others, other than when eating, drinking, or outside.
PLEASE NOTE: Return to school should be based on time and symptom resolution. Testing during isolation to return to school is not required.
The CDC and MA DPH state that individuals exposed to a positive COVID case should mask for 10 days following exposure, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS. A rapid antigen or PCR test on Day 5 is recommended.
*Source: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH).
COVID Testing
You can still opt-in to the at-home COVID rapid antigen testing program. Opt-in through your Aspen parent/guardian account: Aspen. Follow these instructions once you are logged in.
All positive COVID tests results should be reported using this form: Form - Positive Result from At-Home Rapid Antigen Test.
NPS recently updated the Health and Safety Plan for COVID protocols in all school buildings. Here is the link to the full document: Health and Safety Plan - Updated April 2022