NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Sixteen Department of Education staffers at 16 different NYC schools have tested positive for COVID-19, the United Federation of Teachers told 1010 WINS early Thursday night.
A spokeswoman for the UFT said its president, Michael Mulgrew, was informed by the city of the positive cases at the multiple locations.
"Besides the union's concerns for the individuals," the spokeswoman said Mulgrew is "concerned because the UFT had been assured by the city that educators who were tested in the city's expedited testing program would get results in 24/48 hours. This did not happen uniformly and so (it) just increases educators' concerns about the system being ready."
Mayor Bill de Blasio deputy press secretary Avery, City Hall said in response to the announcement, "We've worked to make testing as fast and convenient for school-based staff across the city and the results have paid off, with over 95% of tests coming back within 48 hours. We're committed to testing every last case of the virus, and will continue to work in lockstep with UFT to ensure we are doing everything in our power to make schools safe. Our students and teachers deserve nothing less."
A Department of Education spokeswoman said on Wednesday, "School staff have access to free, expedited testing and we’ve encouraged all staff to get tested before they return to buildings while we continue to navigate the realities of a pandemic. Our protocol is to immediately notify staff and Test and Trace will begin an investigation to determine any close contacts."
Teachers began reporting to school on Tuesday. Students won't return for in-school learning until Sept. 21.