(WHAM) - A COVID-19 spike is continuing in the Victor Central School District.
15 new COVID cases were reported Thursday and nearly 200 students are in quarantine, according to the district's website.
Health leaders in Monroe and Wayne counties say, from what they are seeing, COVID cases in kids are stemming from activities outside of school.
However, Ontario County public health director Mary Beer says this outbreak is due to in-school interactions.
Currently, there are 40 active cases in Victor schools involving staff and students. The vast majority are found in Victor Primary and Intermediate schools.
Beer says Ontario County is seeing more COVID cases in children than ever before.
"Last school season, we saw no spread within the schools. This particular outbreak is definitely related to school activities. Not outside activities, but school classroom activities and bus running," said Beer.
Beer says at least seven classrooms in the district are under quarantine.
Under county rules, all students regardless of symptoms or testing status are required to do so. But, not all parents agree.
"I firmly believe this is only going to hurt the children and it’s robbing them of their education. I believe Victor is doing everything they can to keep the schools open," said Renee DeMars of Victor.
Victor superintendent Tim Terranova held a virtual town hall Wednesday night, where he announced students and staff will be tested weekly for COVID.
Parents must first consent for students, and vaccinated teachers and staff can opt out of testing if vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Beer says keeping schools open is the county's top priority.
"We’re going to do everything possible not to have that happen. We really want the children to experience school. It’s important as this was a hard year on families and children. We’re doing the best we can to quarantine, so we can slow this spread down and stop it," said Beer.
Of the nearly 200 Victor students quarantining, 13WHAM asked the district if those students are now learning remotely, or taking extended absences, and have not heard back.