Weekly COVID Update for 12/3

Weekly COVID Update for 12/3

This is the weekly COVID-19 update for Friday, December 3. It includes a new weekly testing schedule and some vaccination information. You can always visit our COVID-19 Update Center for the latest, as well. 

This week’s updates:

  • Beginning next week, there will be a change to the day of the week that COVID testing is conducted at each school. Saliva tests will be done on Tuesdays at River Trails and Euclid, Wednesdays at Indian Grove, and Fridays at Prairie Trails. You will still only be notified if your child tests positive, but can also see the results yourself by signing up for the SHIELD portal.
     
  • The follow-up clinic at Euclid is tonight from 4 to 8 p.m. This is for the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine for anyone who attended the first clinic on November 12. There are no walk-ins for this clinic, so please schedule a reservation, if you have not done so already.
     
  • The follow-up clinic at Indian Grove is next Friday (12/10) from 4 to 7 p.m. This will also be reservation-only for those who attended the November 19th clinic. There are still several time slots available for sign-up.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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.

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.