LPS to announce weekly positive cases of COVID-19

Following established protocols, Lincoln Public Schools will announce the positive cases reported last week at LPS and the number of staff reporting to be self-isolating or quarantining on its special COVID-19 webpage: lps.org/coronavirus.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases at LPS Aug. 12-19 was four. This includes students and staff testing positive who have been in LPS buildings anytime 48 hours prior to the time of symptoms being exhibited or the positive test was taken. These are cases where LPS has done investigation of potential exposure to others and contact tracing in the school district setting. This also includes all positions and district locations, which refers to school buildings and non-school locations such as Operations, Transportation, District Office and Distribution.

The current number of LPS staff directed to be in self-isolation or in quarantine as of Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. is 35. The number includes staff who are self-isolating due to exhibiting symptoms or have been notified of a high-risk contact with COVID-19, and those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been directed to quarantine. This also includes all positions and district locations, which refers to school building and non-school locations such as Operations, Transportation, District Office and Distribution.

In addition to the numbers mentioned above, every year LPS releases a weekly Wednesday Student Illness Report. This gives the number of families reporting their students' absence due to illness on Wednesdays, and includes all in-person and remote learners and all illnesses reported to the attendance office. This week the percentage of students who reported absent for illness is one percent.

As a reminder, when there is a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in an LPS building, LPS will continue to follow protocols and work with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on the contact tracing process. Through that process, anyone identified as a close, high-risk contact with the positive case will be called directly and given instructions on next steps. Those next steps could include self-monitoring or self-isolating and reporting to the health department or health care provider if symptoms develop.

If there is a positive case reported at LPS and a person is not directly called by the health department or LPS staff, then they are not considered a close, high-risk contact. Anyone with questions about possible exposure should contact the LLCHD at 402-441-8006 or your healthcare provider. Due to privacy rules and regulations, identifying information of the person affected, such as name, position, age etc., will not be released. LPS will continue to collaborate with LLCHD and follow its guidelines regarding the safety of staff.

As a reminder, the health department recommends everyone should wear face coverings, practice hand hygiene and physical distancing, and self-screen and monitor for symptoms daily. Should you develop or currently have any COVID-19 symptoms or answer yes to any of the self-screening questions, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider.

More information can be found on the LPS website: lps.org/coronavirus.

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