At least 21 people, including 19 students, have tested positive for COVID-19 in a St Louis, Missouri suburb. The infections happened after attending an outdoor graduation ceremony and prom earlier this month, according to school officials .
St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon hosted the ceremony on July 8, and prom was held on July 10. The school was later notified that 19 students and two guests tested positive for the virus. All of those who were infected experienced symptoms.
“Upon learning of the first positive case, we informed all families with students who attended either event, and have encouraged them to follow the guidance recommended by local health officials and the CDC, including monitoring their children for any symptoms of COVID-19,” according to a news release by the school.
The school said it was canceling all student activities through Aug. 9, so families could take the necessary precautions before the start of the academic school year, which is set to begin on Aug. 10. Classes start a week later — on Aug. 17.
“We will continue to monitor the situation, and will determine any further measures that need to be taken,” the release said.
The graduation ceremony was held outdoors, while the prom was held at an “offsite” venue, the school said. St. Dominic President Jim Welby tweeted photos of the outdoor graduation venue, which showed rows of white chairs in the school’s football stadium.