Lombard School District 44 officials announced tonight (Tuesday, March 10, 2020) that it is closing all eight of its schools for at least one day after officials learned that a person who tested positive for COVID-19 attended a volleyball game last week.

School District 44 posted on its website that officials learned Tuesday that the individual attended a volleyball game on Wednesday, March 4, at Glenn Westlake Middle School.

District 44 Superintendent Ted Stec said officials informed the DuPage Health Department and are now awaiting guidance.

All school activities, including park district activities, were immediately canceled.

“Based on this information, and out of an abundance caution, we have decided to close all schools tomorrow (Wednesday, March 11, 2020) to conduct enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures by licensed professionals in all eight of our schools,” Stec said.

“Our decision to close school is above and beyond what is being recommended by health authorities and is not in response to a threat in our community. We feel it is extremely important that we take all necessary precautions to best protect our students, staff and community members. We do anticipate school being reopened on Thursday, March 12.”

District officials said anyone who attended the game or a school activity should follow the guidelines prescribed the Center for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health. The district asked parents to contact your child’s school nurse if you or someone in your household is under a self-quarantine OR if you have a combination of a fever, cough and shortness of breath and have obtained the advice of a medical professional. “It is imperative that you follow the directions mentioned in the attached communication to support the health department’s and CDC’s effort to keep our communities safe,” Stec said. The recommendations are: Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with warm water and soap.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Wipe down surfaces regularly with disinfectant wipes.

Elbow bump instead of shaking hands.

Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw it away immediately.

Do not send your student to school if he or she is sick. Fever-related absences are excused and do not require a doctor’s note. Teachers will work with students to create a plan to make up missed work.

Per our local public health authorities, it has been recommended that students and faculty/staff stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours. Right now, the district’s plan is to make up the non-attendance school day through the use an emergency day built into the district’s calendar. “As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our entire community, we will keep you updated and informed,” Stec said. “We appreciate your patience as we take every precaution to keep our community safe.”



SOURCE: Lombard Elementary School District 44 news release We have just sent out the following communication to all parents and staff. We want to STRESS NO CASE OF COVID-19 HAS BEEN FOUND IN DUPAGE COUNTY. We are closing our schools out of an abundance of caution. https://t.co/UE0J9b7IO6 — Lombard District 44 (@tweetsfrom44) March 10, 2020