High COVID case rate means more likelihood of getting virus

Public Health officials caution that the likelihood of getting the virus increases as the case rate rises in Rock County.
Jason Kloss with Southwest Minnesota Health and Human Services said Tuesday the latest spike in Rock County is likely due to the spread of the omicron variant.
“We urge the public to help slow the spread of Covid by wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and booster, and avoiding large crowds or gatherings until transmission decreases in our region,” Kloss said.
“It is also important for people to stay home when they are sick and get tested for Covid.”
Luverne Public School officials called for an e-learning day on Friday. A forecasted winter storm for Friday also assisted in the district’s decision to have students learn from home.
“Since returning to school for the new year, we have experienced a sharp increase in overall illness including COVID-19, Influenza A, stomach flu and other sickness,” said Superintendent Craig Oftedahl in a Jan. 12 press release. “The increased illness has had a dramatic effect on student and staff attendance.”
Monday was a planned staff in-service.
The district has tracked COVID-19 cases since the school year started.
Since the holiday break, reports have increased from six active cases to the Jan. 13 report of 40, which involved 10 staff and 30 students. Total active absences in the district numbered 101.
Kloss recommended that persons who have tested positive for Covid or come into contact with someone who has Covid is to isolate and go into quarantine.
School returned to in-person learning on Tuesday.