By L. Parsons In a press release from the Winslow Unified School District, Superintendent Kathryn Zanin acknowledged four cases of COVID-19 in the district, with two staff members and two students testing positive. Zanin stated, “We are working closely with the staff, students and parents in close coordination with Navajo County Public Health to monitor those exposed and their families.” The release also explained that families of students who had potentially been exposed were notified by a personal phone call and a letter sent home. The staff members were advised to self-quarantine for the recommended 14-day period or until negative tests were returned. It was also reported that the staff members were experiencing mild symptoms. Zanin continued, “I want our staff, parents and students to feel safe in returning to in-person learning. We have taken all the appropriate measures to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our kids.” According to WUSD, all classrooms, hallways and school facilities are sanitized and disinfected daily. Employees and students are required to wear face coverings, maintain physical distance and wash hands frequently. Public Health Director Jeff Lee said, “We are experiencing a rise in cases not only in Navajo County but across Arizona. We must be better at following the personal precautionary guidance from the Center for Disease Control: physically distancing, staying home when you feel unwell, hand washing and wearing a facial covering when in public. We know these measures work and now is not the time to relax, these are the tools we all have to help slow the spread in our communities.” In a letter posted by Winslow High School principal Sal Hernandez on the school’s social media, he stated, “The safety of our students, staff and community is our top priority. Winslow High School has identified two positive cases of COVID 19. There is no action for families to take at this time and the school remains open.”
