By Kevin Deutsch
Broward County Public Schools reported 3,143 new COVID-19 cases during May, the second-highest monthly total since school began in August, school records show.
At least 1,169 students and 1,474 employees tested positive for confirmed cases of COVID-19 in May, according to the school district’s COVID-19 data dashboard.
Since the first day of school, Aug. 18, 2021, 17,161 coronavirus infections have been confirmed by county schools: 10,051 student cases and 7,110 employee cases as of June 4, the records show.
The only month this year in which the monthly case total was higher was January, when Broward schools reported 6,232 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the dashboard.
The May schools surge arrived amid a new wave of coronavirus infections impacting South Florida and the rest of the U.S.
Broward County reported a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 23.9 percent as of Friday, according to the federal government.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have officially classified all of Florida as having a “high” level of virus transmission.
According to the CDC, an omicron variant known as B.A.2.12.1 is driving the current coronavirus wave.
May case totals for Parkland schools reporting at least one COVID-19 case:
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School reported 13 cases in May – however, in an email from Assistant Principal Jay Milmed on May 15, he reported 40 cases.
Park Trails Elementary School reported 48 cases.
Heron Heights Elementary School reported four cases.
Riverglades Elementary School recorded 14 cases.
Westglades Middle School reported 17 cases.
May case totals for Coral Springs schools reporting at least one COVID-19 case:
Coral Glades High School reported 83 cases.
J.P. Taravella High School reported 119 cases.
Coral Springs High School reported 13 cases.
Coral Springs Middle School reported nine cases.
Forest Glen Middle School reported four cases.
Ramblewood Middle School reported 14 cases.
Parkside Elementary School reported seven cases.
Riverside Elementary School reported 19 cases.
Westchester Elementary School reported seven cases.
Ramblewood Elementary School reported 20 cases.
Country Hills Elementary School reported 27 cases.
Eagle Ridge Elementary School reported 52 cases.
Forest Hills Elementary School reported eight cases.
Park Springs Elementary School reported 20 cases.
Coral Park Elementary School reported seven cases.
Sawgrass Springs Middle School reported 18 cases.
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