WESTPORT — Citing a “sharp increase” in COVID-19 cases in town schools over the last several days, Supt. of Schools Thomas Scarice on Tuesday announced cancellation of some school programs and restrictions on access to the schools through early January.

Scarice said that while “mitigating measures” designed to slow spread of the virus are being imposed with “regret,” he feels the changes are needed “to keep our students and staff safe.”

The superintendent noted the school district’s “weekly screening program, administered [Monday], identified 12 asymptomatic cases.”

In addition, “since [Tuesday] morning, another 18 cases have been reported. The town of Westport has reported 113 cases this week, up from a total of 41 last week,” he said.

He said “nearly all” of the schools’ latest COVID cases so far “report mild to moderate symptoms.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, according to the school district’s COVID-19 dashboard data, 55 people — including students and staff — have confirmed cases of the virus and are isolating, while 124 people — students and staff — are in quarantine because of contact.

Based on what he described as “minimal transmission in the school setting compared to the community,” the superintendent said he feels “that our schools may be one of the safest places for our students to be.”

Nonetheless, he said, the following preventive steps will be taken immediately:

• Parents and other visitors will not be allowed in school buildings through Jan. 7.
• Concerts and performances will not be held through Jan. 7.
• Eighth-graders’ planned trip to Staples High School for a Candlelight Concert will be cancelled.
• Holiday parties in classrooms will be allowed with emphasis on social distancing.

As he told the Board of Education on Monday night, Scarice reiterated that remote learning is currently not an option for public schools across the state.

“Districts are not permitted to implement remote instruction as a school, or as a district, pre-emptively like last year,” when it was allowed under an executive order by Gov. Ned Lamont.

Exemptions, however, include tutoring, remote contact with teachers outside of the classroom, before- and after-school programs, etc., for students who must be in COVID-19 isolation or quarantine, Scarice said.

Scarice said school officials will continue to monitor COVID cases during the upcoming holiday break, and plan to issue updates. 

He asked that families report any new positive cases through the school district’s hotline.