​Positive COVID-19 test for Grand Isle student

Photo credit: ROB SWANSON, Islander Photojournalist.

By MICHAEL DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer

GRAND ISLE – A second Grand Isle County school has a student with a positive test for the deadly COVID-19 virus, officials said Sunday.

School Superintendent Michael J. Clark told The Islander the Grand Isle Elementary School is the second building in the county impacted by a positive COVID test in less than a week.
 
Officials announced on Friday a North Hero School student tested positive. 

Vermont reported its 59th fatal case over the weekend in Orleans County.  There are now at least 20th positive cases in Grand Isle County.
 
Clark said Sunday afternoon the Champlain Island Unified Union School District was notified earlier in the day about the Grand Isle case.  An immediate decision was made to have the one grade impacted by the positive test to shift to remote learning until at least Nov. 19.

“It was also determined that out of abundance of caution it makes sense to shift another grade level to remote only pending the results of a test,” Clark said.

He said the families of the students in the two grades have been contacted by phone to make them aware of the situation.
 
Clark said the students in the second class could resume regular classes before Nov. 20 if the test is negative.

The School District continues to work with the Vermont Department of Health on trying to keep COVID from spreading among students and staff.

The names of the students with positive tests at North Hero and Grand Isle are not being released for privacy reasons.

“We ask for compassion and sensitivity for all those involved,” Clark said in a letter he is sending to parents along with Principal Lauren Thomas.

The school district and health department are urging parents to help try to restrict the spread of COVID-19 even when children may not have any outwards signs.

Among the positive steps are  ensuring people wear masks, wash hands frequently, and maintain 6-feet of social distancing.   Sick children should be kept at home and the primary care provider consulted if fever, chills, cough or shortness of breath are reported.

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