Three New COVID-19 Cases At Muscatine High School

Muscatine High School. Photo by Jim Elias

Muscatine Community School District officials reported three new cases of COVID-19, two in students and one in a staff member. The District stated the cases had no relation to each other and had come from exposures outside of school. At this time, they plan to continue all classes as usual. So far this year, Muscatine High School has had a total of nine cases The District’s full communication to families and staff follow below in full:

We received notification that two Muscatine High School students and one Muscatine High School staff member have tested positive for COVID-19. Please note that these three cases are not connected and were both contracted outside the school. While we must protect the privacy of the person involved, we believe it is best to communicate transparently with you. The Muscatine High School’s school nurse has been in contact with staff and/or students who are believed to have been exposed to the individual. Those impacted directly have been notified before this letter is sent out.

All classes will continue as usual. School will remain in-person unless the Muscatine County positivity rate exceeds 15%. To learn more click here to view the report found on our Return to Learn website.

Precautions have been taken for these individuals to ensure the safety of the school and district. In addition, we have consulted with the Muscatine County Public Health Department to ensure that this is the safest route in managing this specific case and managing the spread of this communicable disease.

We will also continue to follow all COVID-related safety procedures including requiring masks if social distancing cannot be maintained. Our custodial staff will continue to deep clean and sanitize classrooms and high touch areas each evening.

As a reminder, COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the exchange of respiratory droplets. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. (For a complete list of symptoms, visit CDC Coronavirus Symptoms.) If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, please contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 click here to view.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family, especially as we face this challenging situation together. We continue to ask for your support of Muscatine High School and the Muscatine Community School District by stressing the importance of the COVID-19 mitigation procedures in place so that we may keep our students and staff safe.

Sincerely,

Terry Hogenson, Principal & Clint Christopher, Superintendent 

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