Wheeler Central Health Updates August 19, 2020
August 19, 2020
Wheeler Central Health Updates August 19, 2020
Unfortunately, the Loup Basin Health District has moved into the lower level of Orange on their Covid-19 risk dial (Note the risk dial was last updated on 8/18/20.). This has automatically moved Wheeler Central into the Yellow level on our risk dial given our proximity to neighboring communities. Also, as of August 19, 2020, the North Central (NC) Health District is still in the Yellow range on the Covid-19 risk dial but, both districts are experiencing similar uptakes in confirmed cases of Covid-19 (Note the NC risk dial was last updated on 8/12/20.). According to both health districts reports Loup Basin has 157 confirmed cases with 38 still active (not recovered) and 9 deaths. North Central has reported 162 confirmed cases with 62 still active and 3 deaths.
At present we are taking added precautions in the area of social distancing and disinfecting but are not requiring the wearing of masks or shields by students or staff. This is a voluntary option. However, in the event that a staff member or student tests positive and they have not been masked the Health Dept. has stated that the probability is high that all staff and students in that group will have to quarantine/self-isolate for the 14-day incubation period.
As we have stated from the beginning it is the intent of Wheeler Central to maintain the safest, least restrictive educational environment possible for students.
In the letter sent before school, we indicated that Wheeler Central’s plan would not include an Orange level because it isn’t necessary for us to reduce class sizes. However, given our current situation we will be adding an Orange risk level which will indicate mandatory masking of all students/staff. As of August 19, 2020, we are in the Yellow level on the risk dial. When students and staff are close together, they may be required to wear mask/shields for a short time or distance from others.
Teachers have been preparing for alternative delivery of instruction if need be. This may be for all students in the event of closure or for those families that choose to receive instruction from home in the event we move to mandatory masking of staff and students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Superintendent Olson at school (308) 654-3273 or (402) 984-4193.
Additional updates will be posted as they become available.