Sisters and Brothers,
The Joint Stakeholder Coronavirus Response Team has concluded its weekly review of Haverhill’s Weekly Covid-19 Public Health Report. The current average daily incidence rate has fallen again from 13.1 to 12.0 per 100,000 residents, down from 20 three weeks ago, and the percent positivity rate increased slightly, but not enough to be considered statiscally significant, from 2.16 to 2.27. Dr. Maddox remarked that this was better than expected due to fewer tests being performed with the end of the Stop the Spread testing sites. Unfortunately, there were 20 new cases today and 19 yesterday, which indicates that we will certainly be “in the red” again next week and the numbers may begin to rise again.
While the data reported out today shows that Haverhill’s status as improving, an increase in the number of positive staff and student cases at several schools (all of whom are believed to have contracted the virus outside of school) has led to large numbers of identified close contacts to be required to quarantine according to public health guidenlines, and our schools are straining to find substitutes who can take their place. Coupled with an aging infrastructure that prohibits safely closing our windows, even with near-freezing temperatures outside, and inadequate or uneven heating which contributes to both frigid and sweltering classrooms across the district, all agreed that the schools are nearing a breaking point. The only real question is how much longer can we sustain this? For now, the JSCRT refrained once again from recommending a change in the current learning model, but the administration has said that it is making preparations for when that day comes.
In the meantime, we will continue to represent your interests and bring your concerns and questions to the task force for answers. We understand that news of your colleagues testing positive and others being placed on quarantine can be unsettling. It’s important to remember that being exposed to someone who was in close contact with one who is confirmed positive does not mean that you are also close contact or should quarantine. All staff identified as close contacts are asked to assist in contact tracing, by identifying those staff members who may have have been exposed, but may not have been identified through the typical schedule of the infected student or staff member. While most have reported a positive experience working with the Medical Advisory Team to determine whether or not to get tested and be quarantine, some have had concerns about feeling pressure not to self-identify as a close contact. If you feel like you should were refused counseled by the MAT, or that you feel that you were pressured to say you were not a close contact, please report that issue to the HEA here.
The JSCRT meets again next Thursday at 6:00 PM. As always, I will provide you with an update afterward.
In Solidarity,
Anthony
Anthony J. Parolisi
President
Haverhill Education Association