The Inevitable

MERCER SCHOOL AND THE COVID-19 VIRUS

It was sure to happen sooner or later, and it did.  The Mercer School reported its first Covid-19 case, and it involves a staff member.

The school is taking extra precautionary steps to prevent the spread of the virus to students and other staff members.  Administrator Sheri Kopka issued the following statement:

The Mercer School District has been notified that a staff member at Mercer School tested positive for COVID-19.

 

Per our established protocol, we have temporarily closed off all areas of the building that the individual used in the past several days so that we can thoroughly clean and disinfect the spaces. We will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our students and staff.

 

The individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school until the school and Iron County Health Department determine it is safe to do so. Classes will continue in person. 

We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide you with updates as we know more. If you have questions, please contact Sheri Kopka at 715-476-2154 or skopka@mercertigers.org.

Covid-19 cases continue to skyrocket in Iron County and the state.  The Iron County Health Department reported that as of yesterday the county has recorded 274 cases and 5 deaths.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported a record 7,073 new confirmed infections Tuesday. That breaks the old record of 7,065 cases set Saturday. There were 66 new deaths related to COVID-19 on Tuesday, breaking the old record of 64 set on Oct. 27.

 

The state has now seen 278,843 infections and 2,395 deaths since the pandemic began in March. Wisconsin was fourth in the nation in per capita infections over the last two weeks at 74,452 cases per 100,000 people, according to Johns Hopkins University. North Dakota was first, followed by South Dakota and Iowa.

 

The Mercer School had earlier cancelled its traditional Veterans Day ceremony. School Board President Bob Davis had this to say:

Over the many years we have done this, the students and staff of our school have done a remarkable and tremendous job in organizing and implementing a program for these veterans.  As you can imagine, it comes with a sense of sadness to let you know that we will not be able to do this on this coming Veteran’s day, November 11th, 2020.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9536 held its monthly meeting recently and the ceremony at the school was discussed.  It was demonstrably apparent, their desire, to not in any way or in any format, put the students, staff, and our community members in a position to potentially be impacted by this pandemic.  In discussions with the administration of the school it became absolutely apparent that the individual desires of both parties were consistent with keeping the district and the health and welfare of all potentially involved as the highest priority.