New Public Health Guidance Announced -
I want to thank all of you for your efforts and patience in navigating through the past year. Since March 2020, we have entered into many different phases in response to COVID-19. We have used the guidance from our local experts and the Iowa Department of Health to put mitigation efforts in place that were best at that time and allowed us to what was best for students and our community.
Yesterday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) adjusted its guidance to recommend that schools and childcare settings approach COVID-19 like other child illnesses. This guidance was developed with consultation with the Department of Education, and underscores that the overall health and well-being of children must be our primary focus.
The IDPH also revised their COVID-19 guidance for school and child care settings, including quarantine guidance, to recommend that while COVID-19 positive and symptomatic children should be excluded, exposed children should no longer be required to stay home, regardless of mask usage. Moreover, when there is a positive case, parents will be given information around exposure to COVID-19 in order to make their own informed decisions regarding risk.
With this updated guidance, the Algona Community School District will not have a mask requirement for the remainder of the school year.
Thank you again for your tremendous patience over the past 12 months. I am so proud of the students, staff, parents and community in supporting the District throughout these uncharted waters! I am looking forward to the last 7 days of school and I hope all of your have a great summer vacation!
Respectfully,
Joe Carter -- Superintendent