COVID Update

Blair Oaks R-II School District

COVID-19 Updates

Last Updated: 9-27-2020 4:00 PM

Sunday, September 27, 2020

At 8:33 AM on Sunday, September 27, the District was informed that a 4th grade teacher in the elementary school had received a positive test result for COVID-19. The teacher was not at school on Friday. The District immediately contacted the Cole County Health Department and an investigation began to determine those individuals who may have been in close contact with the individual. A close contact as defined by CDC is being within 6 feet of the positive individual for 15 minutes or longer. The teacher provided a very detailed and thorough description of all interactions. Proactive measures from the teacher this semester related to daily classroom operations were extremely helpful in this situation and to the investigation. These proactive steps resulted in no students being considered a close contact, but four staff members were identified as close contacts and will be placed on quarantine. These contacts occurred at school but during periods of the day when they were not with students but each other. Through the investigation, it was also determined that the individual’s initial COVID-19 exposure was not at school or on campus. The District will continue to work closely with the Cole County Health Department. We will work in conjunction with the health department on the re-entry of the staff members into the community and school environment. Disinfecting and sanitation of the buildings occurs multiple times daily. Please keep in mind that the identity of this individual will remain anonymous. We need to be respectful of the privacy of the positive and quarantined individuals and their families. We appreciate your patience. Every situation is unique. Due to the number of staff quarantined, this situation creates a different set of challenges. We ask our students and parents to be flexible as we work through the challenges. We will provide additional information as needed. One of the most important considerations during these times is staying home from school when not feeling well. This also means staying home from school when a member of the household is not feeling well either. These measures were strictly adhered to in this situation.

Investigation: Underway / Complete

Notification to Close Contacts: Underway / Complete