With Wilton in the middle of two COVID-19 outbreaks–at Wilton High School and the School Sisters of Notre Dame convent–town officials have provided additional details about related cases, many of which have contributed to Wilton’s new three-day positive count of 46 cases reported Monday, Jan. 25, by the CT Department of Public Health. The report brings Wilton to a total of 775 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

The numbers now put Wilton’s two-week average daily case rate at 39.81 cases/100,000 people, which is the town’s highest point yet since the virus first hit in March 2020. January 2021 is now Wilton’s worst month on record, with 173 total cases so far.

Wilton Health Director Barry Bogle‘s investigation of the recent COVID-19 outbreak among Wilton High School students reports at least 20 known cases associated with gatherings over the weekend of Jan. 15. Contact tracing began Wednesday, Jan. 20, and the Health Department has determined the following information so far:

  • 14 attendees confirmed positive and currently under isolation
  • 6 individuals who did not attend but had direct contact with attendees, confirmed positive and also under isolation
  • 3 attendees under quarantine pending test results

Contact tracing is continuing for anyone identified as having been in close contact with a positive attendee, who was at school on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Wilton High School remains closed through Tuesday, Feb. 2, with students attending remotely, as town health officials continue contact tracing.

In the meantime, Bogle has rescinded his initial request that WHS teachers and students remain home and has said that they may return to normal activity, except for attending school in person. They are still asked to continue monitoring for signs of symptoms for the next four days.

Of the 46 new cases, Wilton health officials attribute 28 cases to the outbreak at School Sisters of Notre Dame. On Monday, a CT DPH COVID-19 Response Team arrived today to assist the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) with the outbreak at their facility.

Wilton Public Schools Update

Wilton High School will remain in remote learning through Wednesday, Feb. 3. Additionally, all athletic and co-curricular activities will cease through Tuesday, Feb. 2. Athletic practices can resume on Wednesday, Feb. 3, and Cohort B students will be allowed to return to in-person learning beginning Thursday, Feb. 4.

Wilton Public School officials reported new cases on Friday, Jan. 22 and Monday, Jan. 25.

Friday, Jan. 22

Wilton High School – 3
Middlebrook School – 1
Miller-Driscoll – 2

Monday, Jan. 25

Wilton High School – 7
Middlebrook School – 1
Cider Mill School – 1

As per district protocols, officials continue to conduct contact tracing and are notifying those that need to quarantine to do so.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the positive cases at Middlebrook School, there are now 100 students and 15 teachers in quarantine due to close contact with a positive case(s). Two full teams have transitioned to remote learning (6 Red through Jan. 28, and 6 Green through Feb. 4).

In all, throughout the school district, there are currently just under 250 students isolating (as COVID positive) or in quarantine (due to exposure).

Upcoming Vaccine Clinic

The Health Department, along with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, is holding a vaccine clinic on Thursday, Jan. 28, for Wilton residents aged 75 and up only. For this age group only, town officials are offering concierge appointment booking assistance for those that require it.

Anyone who qualifies and would like to book an appointment should email Director of Social Services Sarah Heath or call her at 203.834.6238 and provide their name, address, phone number and date of birth.