By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Since opening the doors for in-person learning Aug. 20, no one in the Okarche Schools district has reported a positive case of COVID-19, said Superintendent Josh Sumrall.
“We still have not had any cases reported in the district,” Sumrall said this week. “Knock on wood, but we have no students or employees with a positive case.”
There have been about six staff members and students who have self-quarantined for 14 days due to exposures outside of school, Sumrall said, but none reported symptoms themselves.
The district has about 400 students enrolled who live in both north central Canadian and south central Kingfisher counties.
“We have had some students and staff members have had contact and have quarantined for 14 days. But we have no positive tests,” Sumrall said
Sumrall said he does not know what the trick is to keeping COVID-19 away.
“We don’t know how we are doing that, but we are thankful for it. I attribute that to the community and parents and students and staff staying safe, and we are lucky and grateful we can have school in-person,” Sumrall said.
Staff members continue to check temperatures of students every morning at the schools.
“I don’t think we have had to send anyone home, though, parents are doing a good job keeping kids home if they are sick,” Sumrall said.
The district does not require masks to be worn, but masks are recommended.
Only a few students and staff members at the schools wear masks regularly, Sumrall said.
Should there be an outbreak of cases reported, staff members are prepared for possible virtual learning.
“We have procedures in place if there is an outbreak. We are handling this just like any other school to handle any virus or sickness. We will address it in the proper way to keep safety first and on our minds,” Sumrall said.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reported 45 cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Okarche and 39 people having recovered with no deaths.
Kingfisher has had 146 cases and 115 people recover with no deaths. Kingfisher County has had two deaths and Canadian County has had 17 deaths from COVID-19, the health department reports.
Read The Okarche Warrior and follow okarchewarrior.com for updates.
