Newton resident diagnosed with coronavirus; has child at local elementary school, but officials say school will be sterilized to open tomorrow

A Newton resident with a child at the Horace Mann Elementary School has tested positive for Covid-19 and both are now self quarantining at home, School Superintendent David Fleishman told parents in e-mail tonight.

School will open as scheduled on Monday, Fleishman added:

The Facilities Department is conducting deep cleaning and disinfecting at Horace Mann prior to opening tomorrow. We have strengthened cleaning protocols at all schools, with a focus on high touch points. We are conducting close monitoring of hand towel and soap dispensers to ensure regular refill and have purchased a large supply of hand sanitizer to be distributed to all schools.

The student is healthy and is not exhibiting any symptoms, Fleishman wrote. He added:

We are planning for an on-time opening of all schools on Monday, March 9th, as are neighboring town schools and communities who are addressing the same scenario we are experiencing. We will continue to track and trend illness in all of the schools. Anyone who is ill should remain at home and we ask that you please consult with your primary care physician if you have any questions or concerns about sending your child to school.

Anytime there is an outbreak of a virus or illness, it can be very unsettling for families and staff. Keeping everyone informed, safe and healthy remains our priority. This situation is evolving and we encourage everyone to monitor the Newton Health and Human Services Department’s website for the latest information and any special instructions.

All of the new Massachusetts Covid-19 cases announced today were among people who attended a Biogen employee meeting at the Marriott Long Wharf.