Additional Midland COVID Case Contained; a Warning on “COVID-Shaming”
On Sunday afternoon, Rye schools reported another COVID case at Midland School, but reassured the community the individual has already been in quarantine and no further action is required. “The individual has been in quarantine and has not been at the school building since Friday, October 9,” school boss Eric Byrne said. “There is no need for additional quarantining by anyone associated with the school or for any further action by the District.”
In a separate note Friday, Byrne raised the issue again of several positive COVID cases among local private youth sports programs. “It is critical that the school be informed if your student has been exposed to COVID and/or has been notified by a private program or a local Department of Health that quarantine is necessary. Please do not assume that we have heard from the Department of Health; their backlog is significant,” said Byrne.
Distressingly Byrne also warned of “COVID shaming” – anger and hostility directed at those misfortunate enough to have to deal with being infected or exposed. “We have been concerned to hear of several incidents of “COVID shaming” in our community. This behavior is both counterproductive and misguided,” he said.
“Shaming could lead to students, parents, and staff being fearful of providing information about their health or contacts, which could result in a breakdown of the tracing and quarantine system,” Byrne continued.
Rye High School students will continue remote learning through October 21; the hybrid schedule will resume on October 22. High school varsity and junior varsity sports were restarted on Wednesday, October 14. The first varsity sports games were held Saturday for Girls Varsity Soccer, Boys Varsity Soccer and Field Hockey – all Rye wins!
