School District 166 reports positive COVID-19 case, some students quarantining

School District 166 announced on Thursday, April 8 that it has its first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the student body. 

 

WTIP's Rhonda Silence spoke with ISD 166 Principal/Acting Superintendent Megan Myers who said the school learned of the positive case on Wednesday evening and immediately began working with Public Health and Human Services. After reviewing student interactions it was determined that 28 students would need to quarantine for 7, 10 or 14 days, depending on the distance and time of exposure. 

 

Working with Public Health, the school district has contacted all of the families affected by this case. 

 

Myers told WTIP that teachers and other staff do not have to quarantine because they have been strictly following the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines and because they have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine. 

 

In the memo to the public, Myers wrote, "As we work through this incident, please know that we will continue to work hard to continue to follow the COVID plans that include the implementation of the CDC and MDH guidelines. As a community. we should be proud of our public health officials and their diligence when working through these cases with the parties involved. 

 

"We, as a school, will be working with the public health team to continue to diligently evaluate and re-evaluate our procedures and protocols. Our focus is to ensure the safety of all staff, students, and the community."

In addition to the quarantine for some students, the CCHS Prom, which was to be held April 17 has been postponed to May 8. 

 

Myers said she was glad to tell WTIP that the individual with the positive COVID-19 case has had minor symptoms. She added that as a community we need to support the family at this time. 

 

Finally, Myers reminded everyone to keep following the recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

 

Rhonda Silence spoke with Principal/Acting Superintendent Megan Myers about "the many layers" of handling a positive COVID-19 case at the school. Here's their conversation.