News : Vinton-Shellsburg reporting 2 new cases of COVID at local schools

This afternoon Vinton-Shellsburg School District was notified by the public health department that a person at the High School and a person at Tilford Elementary have tested positive for COVID-19. We are in contact with the Benton County Department of Health and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our students and staff.

The individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school for at least 14 days. Classes will continue tomorrow morning. We are monitoring the situation closely and working with individuals involved to contract trace. Individual contacts are being made for those involved by school staff.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician's office, or hospital. Parents of students exhibiting flu-like symptoms or staff exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to contact a school nurse, local health authorities or the Benton County Department of Health.

We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates as we know more.