District 87 sees coronavirus increase in student population

Posted on April 22, 2021
According to the District 87 COVID dashboard, 18 students and one staff member tested positive. 205 students were quarantined as close contacts and 30 were quarantined for COVID-like symptoms. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Some school districts across central Illinois have seen an uptick in coronavirus cases among students.

In District 87, kids across all grade levels have been impacted, according to Superintendent Dr. Barry Reilly. He says the district saw its largest number of positive cases and quarantines last week. According to the District 87 COVID dashboard, 18 students and one staff member tested positive. 205 students were quarantined as close contacts and 30 were quarantined for COVID-like symptoms.

“While the students might not experience severe symptoms, they can go home and be around other family members who have a health issue, so those things are concerning,” Reilly told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “We try to minimize that from happening, but the reality is, a lot of what we’re seeing is happening out in the community. This is a time of year a lot of youth sports are happening and if you talk to folks, a lot of times safety protocols aren’t being followed like we have to follow through the IHSA or IESA.”

Reilly says most teachers and staff have been vaccinated, but the district continues to monitor the numbers. Safety protocols like masking and social distancing are still in place.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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