KSD Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

The Kearney School District notified parents and the community on July 23rd, that a staff member participating in one of the summer programs taking place at Southview Elementary this summer has tested positive for coronavirus or COVID- 19.

The school district notified health department and the families directly impacted in the program. The staff member was teaching during session one of Summer Round Up, which ended July 17th. Fewer than 10 staff and students may have been in close contact and have been notified by the district. A Close Contact is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as any individual within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes.

“We are taking this very seriously and as a precautionary measure we are closing the room and performing extra cleaning. We will continue to follow the authorities’ recommendations on how to proceed and keep all of our students healthy,” stated the letter penned by Superintendent Dr. Matthew Miller. “As we navigate situations such as this, please be assured the health and safety of our students are of utmost importance, and we will keep everyone informed.”

The school district included resource links to help answer parents’ questions. These sources are very beneficial in helping to understand the current situation with COVID-19.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this report