Positive Covid test ends JV volleyball games abruptly

School’s Covid status moves to level orange

Perkins County’s jayvee volleyball tournament Monday afternoon ended abruptly after it was learned a Perkins County player had tested positive for coronavirus. 

In an effort to be proactive, Superintendent Phillip Picquet elevated the school’s risk protocols to orange on Tuesday. 

Picquet said they contacted the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department in McCook Tuesday morning to discuss necessary  actions to lessen the risk of the virus spreading in the school.

The orange level, as developed by staff and health officials prior to the school year,  indicates a “moderate or elevated risk of spread.”

Picquet said the player had been tested for the virus and was awaiting the results. 

Once they learned the test was positive, the tournament was called and the gym cleared. 

He said they began contact tracing to see who might have been around the person during the school day and worked with SWNPHD on contact tracing followup.

A high school varsity volleyball triangular was scheduled Tuesday at Wauneta-Palisade. The health department said that event could go forward. 

Picquet said this shows just how quickly things can change due to the virus. 

Several weeks ago, a teacher  and coach in the jr./sr. high building tested positive for the virus. The school was still able to remain at level green throughout that period.

While the most recent case occurred in the jr./sr. high building, Picquet said the elevation to to level orange will apply to the elementary building as well. 

He said reports of community members and parents also testing positive played into that decision. 

The goal is to keep kids in school, Piquet said, and they have been able to achieve that thus far. 

The last thing he wants to see is for kids having to quarantine due to exposure at school. 

He said they are evaluating which optional protocols make the most sense in this situation.

He said they are closely examining the number of kids in each room and if they are able to have desks six feet apart. 

 

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