Aux Sable Middle School issued the following announcement on Dec. 30
We hope you are all having a wonderful holiday break.
We wanted to provide you with some updates about COVID-19 and District 202 schools as we plan to begin second semester with in-person attendance on January 3, 2022.
CDC Updates
The CDC updated information about the recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population. District 202 must follow the COVID-19 Exclusion Protocols for schools as directed by IDPH, ISBE, and the Will and Kendall County Health Departments.
The IDPH or ISBE exclusion guidelines have not changed, therefore, District 202 will continue to follow the current IDPH exclusion guidelines as summarized on the Exclusion Decision Tree found on the District COVID-19 website. We will communicate any changes that impact District 202 as quickly as possible.
Reminders for returning to school after winter break:
As you know, the number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise with the Omicron and Delta variants. Specifically, data suggests that while Omicron may be more transmissible, its impacts on the vaccinated or boosted appear to be milder.
We strongly encourage families and staff to get tested prior to returning to school, if possible, especially if you have traveled or attended large gatherings. Testing students for COVID-19 prior to returning to school will help prevent outbreaks, reduce community spread, and sustain in-person learning for students.
Get tested. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. Vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death with other variants, like Delta. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
Testing Locations and Links:
- COVID-19 Testing Locations
- Testing Locations in Illinois by Map Area
- U of I SHIELD Saliva Test Site: Joliet Junior College. Open to all regardless of symptoms. Appointment not required. SHIELD Saliva testing is free to the public, in partnership with IDPH. Walk-in testing is available at all sites. To register for an appointment please visit https://shieldilportal.pointnclick.com and use Agency Code: df5brbrj
1215 Houbolt Road
Monday, Thursday -- 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Friday -- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
***SHIELD testing is not available during JJC's winter break.
We also want to remind families and staff of the opportunities available to get vaccinated and boosted.
Get vaccinated. Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. If your child is vaccinated, please make sure to complete a confidential Vaccine Status form to inform school health staff.
Get boosted. Boosters are critical to combatting new COVID-19 variants and staff, families, and any students already eligible should get boosted.
Vaccine/Booster Locations:
- Will County Health Department
- Kendall County Health Department
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens
- Meijer
- Jewel/Osco
District 202 staff are also required to be vaccinated or participate in weekly COVID testing.
We will continue to offer opt-in enrollment for SHIELD testing for students and encourage students of the appropriate age to be vaccinated and when possible, boosted.
Finally, in-person education is our number one priority. Please plan accordingly. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 metrics and make adjustments as needed to provide the best possible environment for our students and staff.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe 2022!
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up