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Thunder Bay Junior High to continue remote learning next week; Wilson Elementary goes remote

Courtesy Image An illustration of the coronavirus provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ALPENA — Thunder Bay Junior High School students will continue learning remotely next week, after district officials were notified of another confirmed COVID-19 infection related to the junior high school.

Parents were notified of the extension in an email from Principal Steve Genschaw on Thursday, where he said students are now anticipated to return to in-person learning on April 26.

Wilson Elementary School also transitioned to remote learning, as of Thursday, which will last until April 23, according to Alpena Public Schools officials. District officials made the decision to transition to online learning after several school-associated infections were identified and have the potential for widespread transmission.

The extension comes as health officials continue to report an increase in COVID-19 infections in Northeast Michigan. Sixty three Northeast Michigan residents were reported infected or probably infected on Thursday, including 29 Alpena County residents, 11 Presque Isle residents, six Montmorency County residents and 17 Alcona County residents.

Genschaw said in the email any families or staff members needing to quarantine or take additional action have been notified.

Genschaw said in a letter to parents and staff dated Wednesday, after working with District Health Department No. 4 officials during contact tracing, they were advised students should quarantine for the full length of the recommended quarantine.

Quarantine can end after 10 days if a person remains fully asymptomatic for 10 days following exposure, according to information listed on the health department’s website. If a person develops COVID-19 symptoms during quarantine, 10-day isolation is recommended.

Health care privacy laws prevent school officials from releasing information about any particular case.

“However, please know that you will be notified if you or your child is a close contact to someone in the school setting who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been identified by the Health Department as a probable case of COVID-19,” he said in the letter. “The Health Department will provide a letter advising you on what steps you need to take.”

Genschaw said families and staff members are advised to monitor themselves and their children closely for symptoms of the virus.

“We continue to do everything we can to keep our school community safe and appreciate your ongoing support and partnership in this effort,” the letter said. “If you have concerns about this matter, we encourage you to contact the Health Department directly.”

The letter and additional information about school-associated cases can be found at alpenaschools.com under the tab “COVID Plan and Dashboard.”

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