New York state, throughout the pandemic, has been — for the most part — excellent about giving out public information regarding COVID-19. That is why it was a bit disappointing to see the school COVID Report Card was not being updated on a daily basis once districts opened their doors.

This week, however, numbers were being disclosed by all districts through that web site at https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/#/home. With those updates, case numbers were eye-openers.

Jamestown the largest school district in Chautauqua County, had 72 cases. The second-most cases come from Dunkirk (25 cases) followed by Falconer (18), Silver Creek (14), Cassadaga Valley (12) and Brocton and Gowanda with 10 cases each.

These figures are all unfortunate, but a reality that comes with placing students back in buildings — where they belong. In this world today, learning and staying safe are the priorities for our youth.