Norwich — A Teachers' Memorial Global Studies Magnet Middle School student tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and was last in school Tuesday, Norwich Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow informed school families and staff in a letter late Wednesday. She said Norwich Public Schools was notified of the positive test on Wednesday.

She said the student has been instructed to remain home in self-isolation for 10 days, and that family members have been told to self-quarantine and get tested.

"The 'look back' or contagious period was May 1-4. There were 21 close contacts who have already been notified of their need to quarantine," Stringfellow wrote. She said the district is "closely monitoring this situation" and working with the director of Uncas Health District.

Stringfellow said in a follow-up email to The Day that it's important to note that while the test collection was May 3, she doesn't know when the family received the results of the test. 

"While I do not know the specifics in this case because they were not shared with us, many students and staff participate in routine or regular testing without a known exposure and without exhibiting symptoms. Examples of this are testing prior to a medical procedure, testing prior to visiting a person with underlying health issues, etc.," she said. "It is not clear that the parent knew the test results before sending the child to school."

She said per Department of Public Health guidance, the district conservatively quarantines anybody who was within 6 feet of the individual who tested positive for 15 minutes or more, even though everybody was wearing masks.

All schools in the district remain open for in-person classes five days a week.

e.moser@theday.com