Last week, hundreds of MAST Academy students and at least two dozen teachers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. As soon as hybrid learning began, MAST became the center of attention when it comes to COVID-19, as they are the number one school in the Miami-Dade County Public School’s central region for most positive cases.

The Miami Herald reported that MAST ranks 10th on the district’s dashboard for COVID-19 cases, which shows that since schools reopened on October 5th the school has had 44 students and two teachers test positive.

MAST Principle Derick McKoy stated that “I cannot control what occurs outside of our school walls but when the impact sends home 25 of our own teachers, this is unacceptable behavior.”

“After MAST’s second COVID outbreak, I think the school should handle its guidelines and rules way stricter than it was before, but I also believe that individuals should not be going out to parties every weekend at the same time,” said ILS sophomore Taylor Jordan.

“Since so many people keep being infected at MAST, I believe it would be in their best interest to make all of their learning virtual if this situation keeps repeating itself, because I personally don’t feel like it’s worth it for the school to stay open when,” said Jordan.

Since MAST is in Key Biscayne (where many of our own ILS students and faculty live), caution is advised if one plans on going to/seeing an individual that attends MAST Academy. 

The students aren’t the only ones to blame, however, as the responsibility to minimize COVID-19 cases should go both ways. Above is a picture of a very crowded hallway at MAST, where it seems that nobody, in fact, is actually six feet apart from the other person.

“Although the school does carry the responsibility to enforce the rules, I think the students are to blame,” claims ILS sophomore Ana Rincon.

“Everyone is aware of the pandemic and what is needed to do to help stop the spread, I’m sure the students know they have to take it seriously, but still do not care about the consequences. They would rather party than stay safe and risk spreading the virus to others,” said Rincon.

When it comes to the pandemic, it should be noted that everybody is expected to abide by the rules in order to minimize and hopefully end the spreading of the virus. It lies in both the school/workplace’s hands and its attendees alike to be hygienic and maintain social distancing.

And, if you don’t feel well, please stay home!