This is the COVID-19 update for Friday, January 28. There are details about our upcoming vaccine clinic, as well as how you can get free tests and N95 masks. As always, you can visit our COVID-19 Update Center for the latest.
This week’s updates:
- Be on the lookout: Free N95 masks are available, or soon will be, at several pharmacies and grocery stores in the area. This is part of a federal program and participants in Illinois include Costco, CVS, Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Meijer, Walgreens and Walmart. Once available, each person can pick up a maximum of three masks.
- You can order free at-home COVID tests by visiting covidtests.gov. It is a quick and easy process. Every household is eligible to receive four free tests.
- Our vaccine clinic is on Friday, February 4 at River Trails Middle School (1000 N. Wolf Road) from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. This will be for the Pfizer vaccine and is open to everyone in the district, including those eligible for the booster shot. You will need to make an appointment (no walk-ins) for this clinic and can do so by visiting https://kordinator.mhealthcoach.net/vcl/1642008919914. The second dose clinic will be on Friday, February 25 at River Trails Middle School.
- Cook County has opened a vaccination site in Des Plaines at 1155 E. Oakton Street. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but they are encouraging people to make an appointment at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Pfizer and Moderna are being offered, and you can receive primary vaccinations or booster shots.
- Cook County has also expanded its in-home vaccination program. To be eligible a person must live in suburban Cook County and “attest that it is difficult for you to leave your home to receive a vaccination.” If you or someone you know fits these criteria, please visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov and select “In-Home Vaccination.”
- 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 COVID (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.
- It is expected that at some point in the near future, eligible children (age 12 and older) will need to have a booster in order to be considered “fully vaccinated.” If you have already submitted vaccine verification for your child, you can now submit their booster information by filling out this form.
- You can choose to still have your child saliva tested weekly, even if they are vaccinated. To do so, please contact your child's teacher if they attend Prairie Trails, Euclid or Indian Grove. If your child attends River Trails, please contact Mary Krall-Meske or Kyle Henkel. They will make sure your child remains on the list. Testing is conducted on Tuesdays at River Trails and Euclid, Wednesdays at Indian Grove, and Fridays at Prairie Trails. You will only be notified if your child tests positive, but can also see the results yourself by signing up for the SHIELD portal.
- Our COVID-19 dashboard is updated daily with the number of students and staff who test positive or are in quarantine due to exposure. This dashboard is updated as results are provided and may be adjusted retroactively.
- 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, err on the side of caution.
- Be extra cautious about attending indoor gatherings or unnecessary travel at this time. Consider limiting or postponing these activities, if possible.
We will continue sending updates throughout the week when it is necessary. Do not hesitate to call either the district office or your school if you have any questions.