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.
It was going to happen no matter how careful they were. I’m surprised it took this long for it to hit. Might be a good idea to shut down in person and go virtual for a few weeks and let this run it’s course. Kudos to the school staff for working through it.
ReplyDeleteLet’s shut down the town too while we are at it. Stop all dine in at all bars and restaurants and go take out only. Shut down all local businesses that are not deemed essential by the state. Just like they recommend, let it run its course😂😂😂😂
DeleteWhy would they shut down for 1 case. That is just ridiculous. I am sure they have notified all who were in close contact and will take the necessary steps to clean throughly.
DeleteWith such a small school, can there possibly be anywhere that staff member could not have been? Once they went in the pool so to speak, the whole thing is contaminated.
ReplyDeleteSorry this is off topic but....
ReplyDeleteAccording to my notes the DPI report card came out one year ago today. Is this years' Report Card coming out today?
The DPI said earlier that it would not be issuing the School Report Cards for the 2019-20 school year. It also suspended ACT testing last Spring.
DeleteIt would be wise to go to non-contact learning for a period of time. Would suggest that it begin November 16 and look at starting back up with in-school learning after the Thanksgiving break. (or even better the first of the year to get passed the holidays). You have one confirmed - how many are positive but not getting tested? How many will take it home and spread it over the holidays? YES - they need face to face learning - but at what cost?
ReplyDelete