Monroe County saw a significant spike of COVID-19 cases following Christmas and New Years celebrations. The County’s positivity rate jumped from 8.2 percent to 10.1 percent in a span of nine days. 

Schools like McQuaid conduct rapids tests to help drive down the positivity rate and keep their doors open for in-person instruction. It also shows Monroe County that schools do not pose a threat towards students and teachers’ health. 

“If there is a spike we would move into the red zone, which we would then have to increase our testing from twenty percent a month to thirty percent a month,” says McQuaid Nurse, Pat McDonnell. 

These rapid tests also stop students who test positive for COVID from further spreading it.

Many McQuaid students did not see extended family during the holidays in hope of protecting themselves and their loved ones from contracting COVID.

“Personally, I will not be seeing some of my family from Pennsylvania. We are just doing the best we can to protect the safety of those we love and the people around us,” says Max Newcomb, ‘22.  

Although due to the spike of COVID, many students did not abide by the state recommendations. Something as simple as seeing extended family or attending large gatherings can be the reason for contracting COVID-19.