There are a few COVID-related updates from the Cook County Department of Public Health this week. These are listed below, in addition to some usual reminders. You can visit our COVID-19 Update Center at any time, as well.
This week’s updates:
- The Cook County Department of Public Health has made a change to what it considers to be a school “outbreak.” It will now require three or more COVID-19 cases among students who may have a shared exposure on school grounds and are from different households. Previously it required two linked cases.
- CCDPH continues to advise anyone who is unvaccinated to avoid travel.
- Also according to the CCDPH, students who test negative with specimens collected after 48 hours from the start of their symptoms will need to quarantine for 10 days.
- Saliva testing continues on Wednesdays at each of our schools for unvaccinated students. There could be delays of up to 48 hours in receiving results due to SHIELD’s high volume of testing around the state. You will only be notified if your child tests positive, but can also access your child’s test results by signing up for the SHIELD portal.
- Please continue to be diligent about keeping your child home from school if they are not feeling well. Even if symptoms are mild, or possibly unrelated to COVID, erring on the side of caution will help keep everyone healthy.
- Our COVID-19 dashboard is updated daily with the number of students and staff who test positive or are in quarantine due to exposure.
We’ll continue to send updates throughout the week when necessary. Do not hesitate to call either the district office or your school if you have any questions.