November 10, 2021

Hollis Grade School has recently experienced an increase in positive Covid cases. In the past week, we have reported 5 positive cases to the Peoria County Health Department. In addition to the five positive cases, we have numerous students who are out for exposure to positive cases within the school and outside school contact. These numbers are concerning because this is the largest spike we have seen this year and throughout the pandemic.

Everyone has different views on masks, social distancing, and vaccines. However, the one thing we can all agree on is the need for kids to be in the classroom each and every day. In order to do this, we must continue to be vigilant with health and safety measures to limit the spread of Covid. We are constantly assessing our efforts here at school, and we are currently evaluating situations that draw crowds (i.e. sporting events, music programs, and morning meetings, to name a few). As we continue to evaluate our best practices here at school, please be familiar with the following protocols from the Illinois Department of Public Health:

• Students should properly wear masks to school each day. All students should come to school wearing a mask and have an extra in their backpack, just in case.
• Students should not come to school with any symptoms. Covid symptoms include moderate to severe headaches, shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of sense of taste or smell, fatigue from unknown cause, and muscle or body aches from an unknown cause.
• If students or staff are experiencing symptoms, they should obtain a Covid test and stay home until obtaining results and symptoms subside. At home COVID tests are not allowed.
• Unless fully vaccinated, close contacts are required to quarantine regardless of symptoms.
• A close contact is defined as any individual who is within 3-6 feet of a positive case for more than 15 minutes over a 24 hour period. This applies even if both parties are properly masked.
• The quarantine period for a close contact ranges between 8 – 14 days and is dependent on several factors that the Health Department will review with you. One of these is a daily survey that assesses symptoms.
• The Health Department will provide an official release from quarantine letter, which will be required for students and staff to return to school.
• Those families that have not been contacted by the Health Department in a timely manner should call 312-777-1999 to speak to someone with the IDPH.

Thank you for your continued support of Hollis Grade School.