Updated 10:29 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1
The Monroe County Health Department has ordered that 21 members of the Brookwood Junior High School football team be quarantined for 14 days (until Sept. 9).
Those students can neither participate in co-curriculars nor attend school during the duration of the quarantine. Unless they show symptoms, vaccinated students who were close contacts are exempt from the quarantine, though they must wear a mask and the health department recommends that they get tested.
The Monroe County Health Department put in place the quarantine after it was notified by another testing site that a member of the N-O-W student body had tested positive for Covid-19, according to Superintendent Travis Anderson.
According to the school’s reopening plan, the Monroe County Health Department is responsible for quarantine requirements and notifications. The N-O-W administration disagreed with the decision, but authority ultimately rests with the Monroe County Health Department per Wis. Statute 252.21 (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/252/21).
Anderson said, “(Due to state law), our hands are tied even though we disagree with the number of kids quarantined.” He added, “We hope this is just a minor hiccup as we begin work to have a great school year.”
To see the school’s reopening plan, click here: http://now.k12.wi.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_112073/File/District%20Notices/2021%20Notices/NOW%20Reopening%20Guide%202021.pdf.
Below, see letters regarding the matter from Superintendent Travis Anderson and the Monroe County Health Department.
