Weekly Update 12.18.20

 Lewis County Metrics

Cases spiked this week making Lewis County the 10th highest rate of infection in the state and the highest in Western Washington. "Hands, Face and Space" remains the best weapon against spread of the virus. This week, 975 dosed of the Pfizer vaccine were allocated to Lewis County. In a county with over 79,000 residents, this will only be enough for healthcare providers, first responders and those in elder care facilities. Vaccines are not expected to make a difference in the spread of COVID until spring.

New Dept. of Health Guidelines

On Wednesday, Governor Inslee, Superintendent Reykdal and representatives of the DOH and others held a press conference. The Governor introduced new school opening guidelines. He also made it clear that while he has the authority to close schools, he does not have the authority to open them. That authority rests with local school boards. The Governor indicated that those districts that were successfully operating in-person should continue even though the guidelines might indicate otherwise. Toledo, for example, is serving students in person in all schools even though case rates are well above the thresholds indicated in the new guidelines.

Here are the guidelines: 

At 630 cases per 100,000, we are well above the top of the "High Activity" category. Nevertheless, we continue to safely serve students in-person. As of this writing, Toledo Schools have had a total of 5 COVID-positive cases and 3 close-contacts. No staff members have tested positive at this time. We have had many students and families quarantining due to close contacts, but no exposures at school that we know of. We believe that school is one of the safest places for students and staff right now. Very few other places are doing daily wellness screening, disinfecting, 100% masking, regular handwashing and watching distances. We believe- and the data on schools supports this- that we can remain safely open in our current configuration.

Note that when cases are below 50/100,000 the guidelines indicate that it will be safe to return to in-person instruction. I read this to mean regular order when we're able to get our case rates down below 50. We can do this!

THS Reopening

The high school construction project has been delayed due to COVID. Several employees of subcontractors have tested positive and are quarantined. In addition, important materials and equipment have been delayed by COVID in the supply chain. This means that we will not be able to bring students to the new classrooms at THS on January 4. We are working with our contractor and architect to identify firm dates for occupancy of the new spaces. In the meantime, the team at THS is working on a schedule that might accommodate more students than we currently have. Due to construction, many areas of the existing school are not available. In ordinary circumstances, we would be cramped. Crowding isn't an option right now, so we're working on other options. Watch this blog for weekly updates on progress or contact Mr. Huffman at THS.