Warren County health officials say they have not received much guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health about how to conduct contact tracing in schools. | Pixabay
Warren County health officials say they have not received much guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health about how to conduct contact tracing in schools. | Pixabay
Iowa school districts and local health departments are responsible for contact tracing should a student or staff member contract COVID-19.
"We are planning on again as of today, being back in person, five days a week," DT Magee, Norwalk Community School District superintendent, told We Are Iowa. "We have students who have signed up for required remote learning, and we're making plans to make sure we meet their needs."
Thirteen percent of the district's 3,200 students have opted for 100% online instruction. The remainder will attend in person.
Jodene Devault, Warren County Public Health Director, said they haven't received much guidance from the state about how to perform contact tracing at schools. There are four nurses on staff who have been trained to perform contact tracing in addition to their regular responsibilities. Devault said they will work with the Iowa Department of Public Health and await further guidance.
Norwalk School District students are required to wear face coverings whenever social distancing isn't possible.
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