An individual at the Illini Central Pre-Kindergarten school has tested positive or is presumed positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Mason County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Illini Central students and staff is our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Illini Central is taking the following steps:
Temporary closure of the Illini Central Pre-K program in order to identify and notify close contacts (i.e., persons who were within six feet of a COVID-positive individual for 15 minutes or longer).
Placing staff members and students who are identified as having prolonged close contact to the COVID-19 case(s) in quarantine for 14 days. Close contacts will also receive a separate notification from the Mason County Health Department.
Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
In an effort to take the time to contact trace fully and to continue with our cleaning protocols, we will close only the Pre-K building. This closure is in effect through October 7. It is our intent to have students return to the Pre-K building on October 8. Pre-K staff will be in contact with parents on Friday, September 25 with details regarding ongoing remote learning. Please know this closure is in effect only for the Pre-K building as the case is isolated to that location. Illini Central students in grades K-12 will continue with in-person instruction.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID-19 cases, as follows:
Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
Students are required to wear face masks or cloth face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
We have removed plush toys and other toys that cannot be properly or frequently disinfected.
We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching as in handshakes, fist bumps, and high fives.
Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms1. Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms2 should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Illini Central schools, and your local health department.
We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact us at 217-482-5180.