NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A growing cluster of coronavirus cases has forced an East Harlem public school to close its doors less than a week after the start of the academic year, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said.
There are at least 19 confirmed COVD-19 cases at the school, Brewer wrote in a tweet Friday night. She did not specify exactly which school is closing.
A map on the Education Department's website indicates PS 79 is the school that is closing over the outbreak, transitioning to remote learning for ten dats.
Mayor Bill de Blasio's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"Now it is 19 cases. This school is now closing and going remote until September 28," Brewer tweeted. "This is exactly what we feared would happen—and why a remote option should have been offered to parents in the first place. @NYCSchools @DOEChancellor @NYCMayor keep your eyes on the ball!"
About 1 million public school students returned to classrooms on Sept. 13 for full-time, in-person learning. The city has since recorded more than 800 positive tests for COVID-19 involving students and staff.
There was a total of 812 positive cases: 325 cases among staff members and another 487 involving students, according to city data.
De Blasio has steadfastly defended the city's plan for in-person classes, touting safety measures and vaccine requirements for staff as effective ways to stave off the spread of COVID-19. He's also said in-person learning is critical for students' development and physical and mental health.
