covid update

We were notified by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) that 2 members of the Floodwood School community have tested positive for COVID-19. It is possible the individuals were able to spread the disease while in the school community on these dates: March 19th & 22nd. For privacy reasons, we cannot share details about the individuals. At this time, they are staying home until they are well and can no longer spread the disease.

We have worked with MDH to identify those who were in close contact with the persons who tested positive for COVID-19, and have told them directly to stay home for 14 days, even if they have a negative COVID-19 test during that time. This is how long it can take to show signs of the disease.

If you have not been contacted, you are not considered a close contact of the individuals who tested positive, and there is nothing special you need to do.

We have taken action to clean and sanitize the building and are working closely with MDH to watch the situation. To continue to protect yourself from COVID-19, we recommend that you:

▪          Wear a face covering, unless this is not possible for medical reasons.

▪          Maintain social distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from other people not in your household whenever possible.

▪          Do not gather in groups, and stay out of crowded places.

▪          Wash your hands often, especially when in public places. If this is not possible, use hand sanitizer made with at least 60% alcohol.

▪          Watch for symptoms, which include: 

▪          Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

▪          New cough or a cough that gets worse

▪          Difficulty/hard time breathing

▪          New loss of taste or smell

▪          Sore throat

▪          New nasal congestion/stuffy or runny nose

▪          Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

▪          Muscle pain

▪          Extreme fatigue/feeling very tired

▪          New severe/very bad headache

▪          Chills

▪          Stay home if you get symptoms and talk with your doctor or other health care provider to see if you need to see a doctor and/or to get tested for COVID-19. Review these resources if your age or other health issues put you at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19:

▪          People at Increased Risk (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html)

▪          Managing Chronic Conditions during COVID-19 (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/conditions/index.html)

More resources that you may find helpful:

▪          Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html)

▪          Schools and Child Care: COVID-19 (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/index.html)

▪          CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)

If you have questions, contact Rae Villebrun, Superintendent/Principal 218-476-2285 ext. 70102, 701-278-1599 cell, rvillebrun@isd698.org or Sarah Marshall, School Nurse/Covid Coordinator at smarshall@isd698.org.

Thank you for helping to keep our school community safe.

Dr. Rae Villebrun

Superintendent/Principal