COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Nelson Ridge School

NEW LENOX, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health reported Friday an outbreak of COVID-19 at Nelson Ridge School in New Lenox as part of IDPH's weekly report on cases. The data is updated each Friday.

The outbreak involved fewer than five student cases, according to IDPH. Those affected were in fourth to sixth grade, according to New Lenox School District 122 Superintendent Lori Motsch. To protect student privacy, Motsch said she could not say when exactly the outbreak happened, but that "all parents were notified if their child was a close contact."

"In addition," she continued, "there was an additional communication sent from the building principal to all families at Nelson Ridge."

IDPH states on its website that "Outbreak information is reported once the outbreak investigation is considered complete." It defines an outbreak as two or more COVID-19 cases among people from different households who may have had a shared exposure, such as at school.

Related: 26 COVID-19 Outbreaks At IL Schools, 546 Schools With Exposures

"Students who test positive are able to return to school after 10 days if they are symptom free," Motsch said. "While in quarantine, teachers reach out to the families and provide lessons to keep students current on their coursework. Teachers support students as they transition back to the classroom when their quarantine is complete."

Motsch added that the district continues to work with the Will County Health Department on reporting cases and will continue to adhere to the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan posted on the NLSD 122 website.

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