Hello all,
I just want to give you an update on our COVID numbers for this week. We currently have 31 positive COVID cases K-12 (staff and students). That means that we are the same as last week. We have about 38 cases (staff and students) that we are monitoring. That includes those in quarantine, waiting for COVID testing results, or out with COVID like symptoms. The number of staff and students we are monitoring is down 3 cases since last week.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that Jones County has a 7-day positivity rate of 27%. That is down 5% from last week. The number of positive COVID cases in Jones County over the last 7 days is 210, and that is down 58 cases from last week.
Here is the most current chart from the Iowa Department of Public Health on positive COVID tests…
I do think that we will begin to see some additional improvements over the next few weeks. Also, we have made some changes to the amount of time someone is out after testing positive for COVID-19. Following the most recent guidance from public health, a person will be out 5 days and if the symptoms are improving, and they are willing to wear a mask voluntarily at school for 5 more days, they can return to school. If the symptoms are not improving or they are not willing to wear a mask, they can finish the 10-day isolation period at home. Since many times the symptoms are different and each student has unique circumstances, please remember to contact the school nurse for more specific information if your child tests positive. Also, please remember that we have COVID testing kits available on request from the school nurse. They are easy to use, mailed in confidentially, and the results are sent directly to you.
This time of the year there are many illnesses out there. Please remember to keep your child home if they are not feeling well. That is it for this week and as always please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support of the Monticello Community School District.
Dr. Brian Jaeger, Superintendent