Latest Decorah School District COVID numbers

The Decorah School district has released its latest summary of the number of students and staff members who have either been quarantined or gone into isolation and the number of positive COVID-19 cases.

As of Thursday, of approximately 290 staff members, 26 have gone into isolation or been placed in quarantine for at least one day.  There have been six positive COVID-19 cases, with less than six of those recovered.

Also, of approximately 1,575 on-site students, 166 have gone into either isolation or quarantine for at least one day.  However, there have been fewer than six positive COVID-19 cases among students.

The Decorah School District is reminding the public that the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health have released new guidance regarding quarantining when students or staff are found to be a close contact (within six feet for 15 minutes) of an individual who tests positive for COVID-19. 

This new guidance states:

--If students and staff are wearing face coverings and someone tests positive for COVID-19, if both the COVID-19-infected person and the other person(s) in contact with them—even within six feet for 15 minutes—are wearing face coverings, the persons in contact do not need to quarantine. The COVID-19 infected person always needs to isolate in accordance with public health guidelines.