This is the COVID-19 update for Friday, December 17. There will not be a weekly update during the break, but we will still send communications if necessary. As always, you can also visit our COVID-19 Update Center for the latest.
This week’s updates:
- Cases are on the rise in Illinois and Cook County. Please be careful and stay safe while enjoying the holidays. For those traveling, you can find up-to-date travel guidance on the CDC website. The CDC website also has the latest information about the omicron variant.
- Similar to last week, the state of Illinois and Cook County Health are hosting vaccine events this Sunday (December 19). The closest one to our district again will be held at the Arlington Heights Health Center (3250 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 300) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to walk-ins, no appointment necessary. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available for first and second shots, or boosters.
- You can get your child vaccinated by talking to your pediatrician or visiting vaccines.gov and looking for a local pharmacy that offers the Pfizer vaccine.
- Once your child is fully vaccinated (two weeks after second dose), they can be exempted from weekly saliva testing and will not have to quarantine if they are exposed to a COVID case (as long as they are not experiencing any symptoms). To get these benefits, you will need to inform the district that your child has been vaccinated and can do so by filling out this form. If you do not have a Google account, please submit your child’s vaccination information directly to your school’s office.
- For more information about the vaccine, please visit the CDC’s frequently asked questions page.
- “Test to stay” is no longer an option for students who are close contacts of someone with COVID. This is due to logistical difficulties and the time-consuming nature of the program.
- A reminder that meals can be provided for any student who is quarantining due to a positive COVID case or exposure. If interested, call 224-612-7675. Families will be able to pick up meals at River Trails Middle School, or have them delivered.
- 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.
Enjoy your winter break and stay safe. Do not hesitate to call either the district office or your school if you have any questions.