During the school year, parents may hear about COVID-19 "outbreaks" in classrooms - either because their own student is in such a classroom, or because they learn about outbreaks in other classrooms or schools. Here's a run-down on outbreaks - and how the District handles them.

What is an “outbreak”?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) define a school-related outbreak (as of October 15, 2021) as:

1. Multiple cases comprising at least 20 percent of students, teachers, or staff within a specified core group (e.g., extracurricular activity, cohort group, classroom, before/after school care, etc.) or
2. At least five cases within a specified core group meeting criteria for a probable or confirmed school-associated COVID-19 case with symptom onset or positive test results within seven days of each other; who were not identified as close contacts of each other in another setting (i.e., household) outside of the school setting; and that are epidemiologically linked in the school setting or a school-sanctioned extracurricular activity. 

How will I know if my child is impacted?
If your child is in a classroom that has experienced an outbreak, you will be contacted by the school. Please note that due to medical privacy laws, we will not be identifying any COVID-positive individuals - or specific classrooms. 

Other information to know:

• You should closely monitor your child for symptoms. 
• If at any time, your child develops any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, they will need to stay home and parents/guardians should contact the school. 
• As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms.