This is the weekly COVID-19 update for Friday, November 19. There will not be an update next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday break. You can visit the COVID-19 Update Center, as well.
This week’s updates:
- Unfortunately, after today we will no longer be able to offer the “test to stay” option for students who are close contacts of someone with COVID. This is because of logistical difficulties and the time-consuming nature of the program.
- SHIELD Illinois is offering free COVID testing to the public on Tuesday, November 23. The testing is not occurring at our schools, but at various sites throughout the state. SHIELD is promising to return results within 24 hours, giving you peace of mind before Thanksgiving. If interested, check out the locations and times for availability.
- Our second vaccine clinic is tonight at Indian Grove. Due to long delays at last week’s event, this one will not be open to walk-ins. Reservations are required and currently all of the time slots are filled. If you have a reservation, please do not arrive until your scheduled time.
- If you did attend last week’s clinic, a follow-up clinic for the second dose will be held at Euclid on Friday, December 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. We will also be scheduling reservations for this clinic in order to alleviate the delays and other issues from last week. An email will be sent out next week with information on how to reserve a time.
- If you were unable to attend either clinic, you can still get your child vaccinated by talking to your pediatrician or visiting vaccines.gov and looking for a local pharmacy that offers the Pfizer vaccine.
- Keep in mind that students vaccinated in the next week will be fully vaccinated for Winter Break.
- Other vaccination advantages: A fully vaccinated student does not need to quarantine after being exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID, unless they are experiencing symptoms. Also, a fully vaccinated student will not need to undergo SHIELD saliva testing on a weekly basis.
- For more information about the vaccine, please visit the CDC’s frequently asked questions page.
- A reminder that meals can be provided for any student who is quarantining due to a positive COVID case or exposure. If interested, call 224-612-7624. Families will be able to pick up meals at River Trails Middle School, or have them delivered.
- It is still recommended that all individuals aged six months and older receive the flu vaccine. The CDC says getting the COVID and flu shots at the same time is safe and effective in preventing both illnesses.
- 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.