Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
TEKOA - Tekoa School District suspended all in-person learning and activities at the junior and senior high school through Friday due to a COVID outbreak.
"This decision was not made lightly," wrote a school official. "This is the best option to reduce COVID-19 transmission and keep everyone safe. The health and well-being of everyone in the school is our top priority."
The closure is "due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases with students and staff."
Junior and high school students are to stay home and return to remote learning.
Sports, extracurricular activities, and childcare are suspended.
On Monday, Jan. 31, the school district plans to return to normal operations and begin utilizing a "test to stay" plan. People are to pass a COVID test to return to school.
"All COVID-19 positive individuals will be contacted separately to detail their next steps," the district stated in a letter.
Students and staff testing positive are asked to quarantine at home for 20-24 days as part of a rolling household quarantine. People, with someone living with them at home that tests positive or is suffering symptoms, are asked to quarantine.
"We encourage you to watch for all symptoms of COVID-19 in yourself and your household members," wrote school district officials. "Early detection may limit the risk of spreading COVID to others."
COVID symptoms could include any of the following:
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever (104 degrees or higher)
• Headache
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath
"If your child is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and promptly notify the school," stated the district.
A letter about the change was sent to students, parents, staff, and faculty.
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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