190 Students, Staff Test Positive For COVID-19 At District 41
GLEN ELLYN, IL — Between Jan. 10 and Jan. 14, 190 students and staff members tested positive for coronavirus in the five schools that make up Glen Ellyn School District 41, according to the district's coronavirus dashboard. Of these positive cases, 174 were among students and 16 were among staff members.
The most recent data reflects a more than 490 percent increase in positive coronavirus cases compared to the week of Dec. 13 through Dec. 17, before the district's holiday break began. During that time period, 32 students and staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
All students and staff members are still required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
In a letter to community members, Glen Ellyn District 41 School Board President Robert Bruno praised the efforts of district staff, students and parents amid the coronavirus surge. He wrote, in part, "The commitment of staff often comes at the expense of their own families and needs, and deserves a minute of recognition and appreciation. [District 41] has continued to provide educational opportunities that our community should be proud of. Thank you to everyone working with the district, who has made a positive contribution to keeping us moving forward and in school.I am also deeply appreciative of our families for collaborating with us to keep our schools safe and open."
Over 15K COVID-19 Cases Reported In DuPage County In 1 Week: CDC
The increase in coronavirus cases and contacts at local schools reflects a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases related to the omicron variant, which is "unlike anything we've ever seen," Dr. James Phillips, chief of disaster medicine at George Washington University Hospital, told CNN in late December.
Related: Illinois Schools Likely Biggest Culprit Of COVID Exposure: IDPH
In early January, Advocate Aurora Hospitals reported that 25 percent of its pediatric coronavirus patients were in the intensive care unit. Throughout the preceding month, half of all children admitted to the hospital system were younger than 5 years old and ineligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
More on Patch:
Substitute Teachers Needed In Deerfield 109 As COVID Cases Surge
Omicron Variant Finds New Population To Exploit: Children
These IL School Districts Have Gone Remote Or Canceled Classes
This article originally appeared on the Glen Ellyn Patch
