At least 10 underage drinkers test positive for Covid-19 after attending a super-spreader house party in New York forcing schools in entire district to go into remote learning
A super-spreader house party attended by underage drinkers has been blamed for the closure of schools across an entire New York city district.
Ten cases of coronavirus have been linked to the sleepover party in Wilton, Saratoga County, on December 18 which has been branded ‘selfish’ by district officials.
There are now fears that the party could cause a surge in coronavirus cases as the state continues to see a rise in positive tests.
Schools that were due to open on Monday in the Glens Falls city school district will now close with classes held remotely for at least two weeks, affecting thousands of students.
More than 2,000 pupils are facing at least two weeks of remote schooling in Glens Falls city school district after ten people tested positive for coronavirus following a super spreader house party. Pictured: Glens Falls High School, one of the schools forced to close
Times Union reports that the Glens Falls district leadership team is 'extremely disappointed' to hear about the gathering which took place on December 18.
Underage youths were drinking and slept over at a property in neighboring Saratoga County, a move which district officials have branded 'the irresponsible and selfish actions of a few'.
It was attended by current and former Glens Falls students, many of which had connections to staff at local schools.
The district has warned there may be more consequences to come as a result of the party, which is believed to have been attended by at least 50 people, and could lead to a surge in cases in the area.
Hospitalizations in the state are also now at their highest level since early May after surpassing 7,800.
Neighboring county authorities are investigating the super spreader party but have come across stumbling blocks as contact tracing has proved difficult.
Warren County Health Services is reported to have been given 'conflicting accounts' of who attended the party.
After corresponding with the health department, the district decided to impose remote learning as a precaution.
Investigations are underway to find out who supplied the underage drinkers with alcohol.
Saratoga County Public Health Services said none of those who tested positive have confirmed they attended the gathering.
Governor Cuomo (pictured on Wednesday) reported record number of new cases and hospitalizations in the state
Warren County saw a single-day record of Covid-19 cases a day after the event and has seen more than 1,000 cases since the pandemic began.
Officials have claimed most of the latest cases are the result of people not abiding by coronavirus restrictions.
Those who attended the party have been advised to stay at home and quarantine.
Several sports, including Glens Falls athletics, All Alpine Skiing and Boys Varsity Swimming/Diving in the area are also now on hold until further notice.
During a COVID-19 press briefing on Wednesday, Cuomo warned rising coronavirus case numbers are likely to jump further following the holiday period.
Bracing for the worst, the governor announced the state was preparing to turn the Jacob Javits Center back into a field hospital amid fears the healthcare system could once again collapse.