Decorah school officials say they need the public's support to keep down the number of COVID-19 cases

Posted: Sun, Jul 19, 2020 3:55 PM

Decorah School Board President Ron Fadness, Decorah School Superintendent Mark Lane and Decorah Education Association President Steve Peterson have released a joint statement urging a safe return to school for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The statement reads in part, "Returning to school is important for the healthy development and well-being of children, but we must pursue reopening in a way that is safe for all students, teachers, and staff. Science should drive decision-making on safely reopening schools. Public health agencies must make recommendations based on evidence, not politics. We should leave it to health experts to tell us when the time is best to open up school buildings, and listen to educators and administrators to shape how we do it."

The statement continues, "We want to see our students in our hallways and classrooms, on our stages, and on our fields and gym floors. We want to share in the joy of community building and learning together. Yet, we also see the great risks presented to our students, staff, and families if we aren't purposeful, diligent, and consistent in practicing essential COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies and practices."

The three are asking the public to take steps to maximize the potential for reopening our schools:

--Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
--Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
--Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
--Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
--Practice social distancing
--Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible. If you must go in person, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
--Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.
--Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
--Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
--If you're sick, separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.

The statement points out that between May 30th and June 27th, Winneshiek County had no new positive cases of COVID-19. Since June 28th, however, Winneshiek County has logged 26 new cases.

The statement says a Governor's Proclamation lifting restrictions on businesses and mass gatherings; social gatherings around the Fourth of July holiday; and increased summer travel are "all likely contributing factors to the return of positive cases to our county."

The statement concludes by asking the public to follow the advice given by health experts, saying, "We still have the power to change our trajectory, to right our path, and to take the actions necessary to make on-site learning a reality for this school year."