Health department seeks parents' help in COVID-19 safety

McCOOK, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is partnering with the school districts in the nine-county health district to develop plans for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the schools, but seeks help from parents as well. 

Measures are in place to quickly identify and isolate symptomatic students or staff, and then identify others who were in direct contact with them, according to Myra Stoney, SWNPHD director.

Each school has a plan in place for minimizing the impact of COVID-19 and keeping schools open safely.

To assist schools with this process, SWNPHD asks parents and guardians to notify their child’s school immediately if they or someone in their household tests positive for COVID-19.

It will be especially important this year for families and schools to be in communication with each other. Know where to go for information about your child’s school, and how to share important information with the school about your family. 

Part of minimizing spread in the schools will be knowing what symptoms children have when they are called in sick, and how many children are calling in sick each week.  Nebraska requires all schools to report how many students are absent each week and why, known as school illness surveillance.  When you call the school, it is extremely helpful if you can list your child’s symptoms and how long they have had them.

The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial for the week of August 17th is yellow.  Residents of southwest Nebraska should use caution when at gatherings or in public, including avoiding high-touch surfaces and wearing a mask.  Choose outdoor activities when possible and avoid close contact in enclosed spaces. Those who are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 should stay home.