No evidence of transmission in SCSD 2 schools, cases originated from elsewhere

Sheridan County School District No. 2, officials continue to respond successfully to cases of COVID-19. The district’s safety protocols and collaboration with Public Health have yielded more encouraging results as the district finishes its fourth week of school, according to a SCSD2 press release.

“To date, we have no evidence of transmission within our schools,” said Debra Haar, Sheridan County Public Health Nurse Manager. “We have worked closely with school principals and nurses to implement safety protocols, and these measures have prevented spread.”

While very few SCSD2 students have tested positive for COVID-19, all cases originated outside of school, according to Public Health data.

“The real success story at this point is that no cases have spread in our schools,” said Craig Dougherty, SCSD2 superintendent of schools. “The extensive preparation and safety protocols we have in place are clearly working.”

In each case where a student has tested positive, principals and school nurses have cooperated with Public Health to assist them in conducting contact tracing. Generally, any student who has spent more than 15 cumulative minutes within six feet of the positive individual is quarantined for 14 days. 

When students are quarantined, district teachers provide remote instruction so students can attend school from home. In addition, Public Health recommends COVID-19 testing for quarantined individuals.

While over 3,600 students attend SCSD2 schools, only six SCSD2 students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started on August 25. This constitutes 0.16% of the student population. While the district has seen a sizable group of students quarantined due to potential exposure to COVID-19, this precaution is greatly reducing the risk of spreading the virus and is keeping schools safe.

In addition, students have missed school while awaiting COVID-19 test results. “We are grateful for parents who are taking this situation seriously,” said Dr. Ian Hunter, Sheridan County Health Official. “The fact that so many parents are working with the school, their pediatricians, and Public Health to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 certainly helps keep schools open and safe.”

The district will continue to provide regular updates to the community on the response to COVID-19.

“We need Sheridan’s help to keep schools open,” said Dougherty. “Many schools and districts across the country have not even opened their doors. It must truly be a community effort to ensure that Sheridan kids stay in school.”