Health |

At least 3 staff members at school corporations across NWI test positive for COVID-19; students, staff quarantined

Duneland School Corp. and Tri-Creek School Corp. have each reported positive COVID-19 tests this week from staff members.

Staff members at Yost Elementary School and Liberty Intermediate School have both tested positive according to messages sent out to Duneland families this week. A staff member at Lowell Middle School also tested positive, according to the Tri-Creek School Corp.’s Facebook page.

“The administration, in consultation with the Porter County Health Department, has conducted contact tracing measures,” messages from Duneland Assistant Superintendent Robert McDermott read.

All individuals who were in close contact with the staff members who tested positive at Yost Elementary and Liberty Intermediate have been notified directly, according to the letter. The message also noted the Duneland School Corp. follows all isolation and quarantine requirements of the Indiana State Department of Health and the districts re-entry plan.

Both Duneland School Corp. buildings that held the positive cases will be deep cleaned and sanitized, and McDermott reminded students and staff if they are family members of symptomatic individuals, or are symptomatic themselves, they must quarantine for 14 days “unless or until the individual is diagnosed with a condition other than COVID-19.”

Along with the staff member at Lowell Middle School who received a positive COVID-19 test result, according to a post made on the Tri-Creek School Corp. Facebook page Sept. 15, a first grade student at Oak Hill Elementary School also received a positive result.

No students or staff were deemed close contacts with the student at Oak Hill, however 16 students and four staff members were identified as close contacts with the staff member at Lowell Middle School and will quarantine for 14 days.

“The teachers will provide virtual instruction from home while quarantined and substitute teachers will be hired to facilitate instruction and ensure an orderly classroom environment,” the message from Superintendent Rod Gardin reads.

All classrooms throughout Tri-Creek School Corp. are sanitized daily, and Gardin reminded staff, students and families to be mindful of COVID-19 symptoms.

“The health and safety procedures that are in place are working,” the message says. “Please continue to mask up, wash your hands, and practice social distancing.”

Hannah Reed is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.