Norwalk Catholic administered 70 rapid Covid tests Monday

NORWALK — Norwalk Catholic School President Martin Linder issued the following statement Monday afternoon: "Norwalk Catholic administered 70 rapid Covid tests today. These tests were administered to direct contacts of COVID. Of these tests 6 came back positive. The positive cases we currently have are family members who live together and an athletic team We are strongly encouraging everyone to wear a mask as we experience this current rise in COVID in our area. Our rapid test supply is diminishing and a way to avoid being a direct contact is to wear a mask or be vaccinated. We are closely monitoring our data and rapid test supply. As the week progresses, the policies of Norwalk Catholic will be updated. It is our intention to keep school open and in-person. "The rapid testing was completed by our fantastic nurse, Sue Gahring. Her work (Monday) allowed over 60 students to attend in-person learning but this work is not sustainable at this level. Again, we are strongly encouraging everyone to wear a mask. "As a reminder, below are the guidelines for quarantining we will follow if there is close contact at school. These guidelines are in alignment with the Diocese of Toledo and the Ohio Department of Health. "If a person comes in direct contact with a COVID-19 positive person quarantine will NOT be necessary if: • The direct contact is fully vaccinated; OR • The direct contact was wearing a mask and maintained a physical distance of 3 feet or more. • For more information click here. "In the event a person comes into contact with a COVID-19 positive individual and the above criteria are not met, another option is to have a daily negative COVID-19 rapid test prior to the school day, administered by our school nurse. If the result is negative the individual will wear a mask at all times except when actively eating or drinking. The daily negative rapid test would be necessary for the length that quarantine would be in effect. This option is only viable when rapid COVID tests are available. This guidance and our protocols may change at any time as needed in order to keep school in-person. "The data below as well as information from Huron County Public Health, the Diocese of Toledo and other health professionals will continue to guide our decisions. "We strongly urge everyone in our Flyer Family to self-monitor for symptoms. Through monitoring, isolation, testing, engaging in COVID-19 safe precautions in public, and open communication we will be able to make decisions that keep our Flyer Family healthy and safe. "We are a community of faith. We are at our best when we work together and pray for one another. I ask all of you to continue to support and pray for each other."