USD 290 Schools reopen today and there is concern over the spread of COVID 19 variants. COVID cases have skyrocketed in the past few weeks. With Ottawa schools in a Mask Optional Policy, a group of Ottawa doctors have penned an open letter to all Franklin County Schools. Ottawa Family Physicians posted the letter yesterday on their Facebook page, stating that Kansas has seen over 14,000 cases in the last few weeks and Franklin County has posted a 27.8 positivity rate. They are encouraging staff and students to wear masks to protect themselves and those around them. They say they are seeing people of all ages test positive and the testing facilities are becoming limited.
In the letter, the Ottawa Family Physicians encourage USD 290 Board Members to consider mandatory masking of all students and staff and follow the CDC Guidelines, which recommend everyone over the age of two wear a mask in indoor public spaces, including transportation. Anyone with a weaken immune system should wear a mask and take other precautions. They are encouraging all students and staff to wear masks while at school.
As of last Thursday, Franklin County had 281 active COVID cases, the highest ever during the pandemic. Health officials expect that number to rise dramatically.
