Durham school reports over 80 COVID cases, most following prom

More than 80 cases of COVID have been identified in the past two weeks in a single Durham school, with contract tracing showing that most of the cases came after the school's prom.

Posted 5:38 p.m. May 12, 2022 — Updated 5:50 p.m. May 12, 2022

Heather Leah

, WRAL multiplatform producer

DURHAM, N.C. — More than 80 cases of COVID have been identified in the past two weeks in a single Durham school, with contract tracing showing that most of the cases came after the school's prom.

In a statement from Durham Public Schools, they said that the Durham School of the Arts had identified 83 cases, despite following the same prevention protocols as other Durham Public Schools used for their proms.

"It is unclear why there would have been a larger number of cases following DSA’s prom," they wrote in a statement. "However, student gatherings after the prom or outside of school may have also played a role."

According to the statement, none of these cases have been reported to DPS as severe.

COVID cases up 28% in NC, officials warn of summer surge

Aside from the apparent impact of the prom, DPS say they are not currently seeing widespread day-to-day transmission of COVID-19 at the Durham School of the Arts. They continue to recommend masks for students and staff, and write that the majority of students and staff do wear them.

However, as mask regulations are scaled back in the community, DPS says they are seeing a rise in cases.

The metrics agree: Over 17,000 new cases were reported statewide last week. Health officials have warned they are preparing for a potential summer surge – particularly with a new sub-variant and so many people attending large springtime and summer events and social gatherings.

Local doctors say social gatherings are leading to a a spike in COVID cases around Wake County. The metrics agree: With 3,665 new cases reported in the week ending May 7 in a growth of 36% week-over-week.

At the same time as cases begin increasing once again, many have a false sense of security due to COVID cases no longer being as closely monitored due to people testing at home.

Just last week, Durham County moved into a medium risk area due to their increasing cases – and the county health department suggested people take additional precautions. Wake County's COVID numbers are also increasing at double the rate of the state as a whole.

Doctors are emphasizing the rise in COVID cases could be connected to the uptick in large-scale gatherings, especially with masks being optional.

Canes fans count themselves among new COVID-19 cases

While contact-tracing hasn't proven a connection, dozens of people who attended a packed game at PNC Arena took to social media to share they contracted COVID within a few days after attending. Health officials encourage people to take precautions if attending social events, especially large ones, as cases continue increasing.

Similarly, a high school in Carborro experienced an outbreak after prom, which temporarily brought back the mask mandate in the school halls.

Durham Public Schools urges families to continue to be vigilant: to get vaccinated and boosted, to take precautions when in the presence of someone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to wear masks when appropriate.

Suggest A Correction