As schools around the area push to reopen, Briarcliff is hitting a roadblock after 18 students and one other person tested positive for COVID-19 and several others are being closely monitored.

District officials say nearly all of the cases are connected to non-school-related gatherings this past weekend.

The students were last in school a week ago, and several of them were symptomatic while still in class.

Contact tracing shows possible spread to other students on the buses, during the school day and after-school activities.

Anyone considered a close contact must quarantine for 10 days.

Briarcliff High School will remain remote Friday, while middle school students can return to the classroom.

The district begins spring break for a week starting Monday.