(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - The Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) is warning of “dangerous increases” in COVID-19 cases within the City of Buffalo’s Public School System.

The BTF has sent correspondence to the Superintendent, Board of Education and Erie County Department of Health showing that in the Buffalo Public Schools: From September 3rd, 2021 to November 15th, 2021, reports show there have been 560 students and 191 adults identified with COVID; From November 8th to November 15th, 2021, reports show there were 120 students and 45 adults identified with COVID; and that the November 16th report shows 47 students and eight adults were identified with COVID.

The BTF is calling on Erie County Government and the Buffalo Public School District to provide: Quicker identification, notification and contact tracing of identified cases; Stronger enforcement of protocols by administrators, such as students not wearing masks; Greater availability of testing and vaccinations; and more preventative actions, such as sanitizing of schools - especially areas in which those identified where COVID had been.

The BTF is also raising further concerns the Thanksgiving and Winter recesses will work to increase the chances of COVID spread.

BTF President Phil Rumore said: “While the Superintendent and Board have worked to protect our students, Staff and community, we can’t do it alone.  This dangerous increase in COVID in our schools and community has its greatest impact on our students and their education.  It also adversely impacts the parents/guardians who, when schools are closed and students are taught virtually, have to miss work, work with multiple children or cope with other hardships.  Teachers want to be with their students - however, they want them, their families, the Staff and community to be and remain safe.  We therefore ask our community to get vaccinated and/or tested in our students’ interest and that of our community.  They need you.  We all need you.”