Sandwich School District confirms first case of COVID-19 for 2020-2021 school year

SANDWICH – Sandwich school officials confirmed their first case of COVID-19 about a week after school started.

Sandwich School District 430 administrators wrote in a Tuesday, Sept. 15 email to staff and families they were notified of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 within the Sandwich High School student population.

District officials are coordinating efforts with the DeKalb County Health Department to immediately identify and monitor those who may have had recent close contact with the aforementioned person to help prevent further spread, according to the email provided to Record Newspapers.

"If you do not hear anything from either the District or the Health Department, you and/or your student have not been identified as being in contact with this individual," district administrators wrote. "Given the importance of confidentiality, no names, classes or other personal information will be provided."

The update comes after students within the district started classes on Sept. 8.

Wally Marquardt, curriculum director for Sandwich School District 430, confirmed on Tuesday this was the first confirmed case of the coronavirus illness district-wide.

District officials wrote they will continue to work with the health department to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. They urged staff and families to continue to emphasize the importance of practicing safe and healthy habits like wearing face coverings, washing and sanitizing hands, and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

Sandwich school officials will continue the self-certification process for staff and students and disinfecting affected spaces, per the email.

Administrators wrote they also recommend that everyone continues to monitor their health and to stay at home if they are symptomatic. Those showing symptoms should contact their health care provider to determine a care plan and discuss testing or should seek medical attention immediately if they develop severe symptoms, district officials wrote.

Administrators urged staff members and families to contact their school with any additional questions.