Message from ISD 549 on COVID-19

Families, students, staff

As you read this, realize the situation is always evolving. With the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases at a record high, the Independent School District 549 reminds students and staff to diligently follow protocols in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Although the current situation is “manageable” and allowing us to stay in our current model, the increase in numbers locally and in Otter Tail County have us continuously preparing for the possibility of a change in learning models. Pending school board approval, the district will voluntarily switch to distance learning on Dec. 21 through Jan. 18, with plans to return to the current model on Jan. 19. The district hopes to continue with its current model until that time. However, for that to happen, we need cooperation from staff, students, parents and administration when it comes to following COVID-19 protocols. 

As a reminder, we are imploring you to adhere to the guidelines put in place by the Minnesota Department of Health when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

• Practice social distancing.
  • Stay at least six feet from other people.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wear a mask to protect others. 
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when you have to go out in public.
  • You could spread COVID-19 to others when you do not feel sick. 
  • The facemask is to protect other people in case you are infected. 
• If you don’t feel well, stay home.
  • If you have the symptoms of COVID-19, you should:
    • Stay home.
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
    • Avoid sharing personal household items like dishes, towels, bedding, etc. 
    • Clean surfaces that you touch often. 

If there is a confirmed positive case from the Minnesota Department of Health, the district is conducting contact tracing  in collaboration with Otter Tail County Public Health and alerting those who could be affected by the positive case. 

If you were not identified to have close contact with the positive case you should still monitor for symptoms of illness, but do not need to stay home unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, stay home and consult with your physician to determine if medical evaluation is needed. If you have someone in your household who is awaiting COVID-19 test results due to symptoms, please quarantine all family members. 

Please visit the Perham School District’s COVID-19 dashboard for updated COVID-19 numbers. 

Also, with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, we understand that families and groups are going to want to convene to celebrate. However, we encourage you to follow the new guidelines put in place by Governor Tim Walz. Those include a 10-person limit for indoor and outdoor gatherings, and all social gatherings will be limited to members of three households or less.

Our partnership with our families in this work is critical. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during these challenging times. We will continue to keep you updated on any decisions or changes being made in any of our schools.