The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families confirmed that a dozen student residents at Ferri School were moved, due to a staffing shortage brought on by a case of COVID-19.
Ten staff who had direct contact with the individual who tested positive were asked to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution. That caused a staff shortage and led to transfers to other facilities on Wednesday.
Ferris is a high-security school for juvenile offenders. It is located west of Wilmington.
Seven residents were moved to Stevenson House and five moved to New Castle County Detention Center. Their families have been notified and the youths will continue to receive the same level of rehabilitative services, the department stated.
The department is unaware of any youths who have had direct contact with the staff under quarantine.
The Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services intends to move the 12 back to Ferris by July 1. Staff levels are expected to be adequate by that day.
Under CDC guidance, the department did not require staff to be tested but five staff decide to be tested. Of those tests, three are negative and two are awaiting results.
Staff members are advised to contact their health care provider if they are showing symptoms.
During this time the school is using a disinfecting fogger machine, the same machine used by the Delaware Department of Correction.
The dozen students were not tested. However, any youth who shows symptoms or would like to be tested will receive a test. CDC screening guidelines are being used in monitoring symptoms and taking temperatures daily.
