April 14th, 2021

Hill City Public Schools Families:

We were notified by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of a COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) case at Hill City School. All students and staff that have been exposed in close contact have been notified and told to quarantine for the required 10 days. Despite the MDH guidelines that suggest possible exposure was limited, you should still monitor for symptoms of illness. Other students do not need to stay home unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, stay home and consult with your physician to determine if medical evaluation is needed. MDH does not specifically recommend that non-close contacts be tested for COVID-19 at this time. However, many local testing options are available. If your child starts feeling ill, isolate at home and away from other household members as much as possible right away.

The main symptoms to watch for are fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, feeling tired, loss of taste or smell and diarrhea and vomiting.

For more information on what to do if you become sick visit the MDH website If You Are Sick: COVID-19: https://www.health.state.mn.us/dise.../coronavirus/sick.html
You may call the Minnesota Department of Health as needed with concerns or questions at 612-268-4569. General COVID-19 resources that you may find valuable are:

MDH Coronavirus: https://www.health.state.mn.us/dis.../coronavirus/index.html
MDH If You Are Sick: https://www.health.state.mn.us/dise.../coronavirus/sick.html
CDC Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Since school began on September 8, this is the eighteenth confirmed case associated with Hill City Schools and the tenth since April 5th. We ask that students, staff, and community continue to follow the guidelines and help keep Hill City Schools safe. We thank you for your understanding during this time.

Sincerely,
Adam Johnson

January 7, 2021

Update from Hill City Schools:

Masks are now required at all times in the building. The guidance on this as changed to the following:

Consistent with Executive Order 20-103, face coverings must be worn at all times during indoor physical activity (e.g., when exercising in a gym, fitness center, or during recess), regardless of the level of physical exertion. Previous guidance allowing face coverings to be removed during high exertion activities is no longer applicable (pg. 10, 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools).

We have disposable masks for any student that wishes to wear a different mask during any indoor physical activity.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires that all persons in youth and adult sports wear a mask/face covering at all times, including practices, games, or competitions.

We have disposable masks for any student-athlete that wishes to wear a different mask during practices or events.

The fitness center is open again. If using the fitness center, masks are required as well. Community Education is working on restarting and are hoping to get things back up and running soon.

Per the executive order, any Hill City Schools staff member will have the option to be tested every other week starting next Wednesday, January 13th.

Covid-19 numbers in Aitkin County and surrounding counties continue to decline, which is allowing us to stay in person and restart activities. We appreciate everything the communities of Hill City, Swatara, and Jacobson are doing to help us stay in person. Thank you all very much for helping us get through these times and staying in person!

Any questions, please feel free to call the school.