So far the state has only seen 495 total reported cases of COVID in K-12 students and 1063 cases in school staff since the fall semester began.
Before schools reopened there were some dire predictions of school-based outbreaks causing major community spread but State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said that hasn’t been the case.
“Across the country, we are not seeing large centers of transmission in the K-12 environment that some people feared,” said Kanter.
Kanter said that’s thanks in large part to educators who are keeping their classrooms safe, and the Louisiana Department of Health’s early warning system currently in place in two-thirds of schools.
“What this system does is allow a school to have visibility on any outbreaks that might be brewing in their four walls,” said Kanter.
Under the early warning system, the Louisiana Department of Education can keep track of infection data pertaining to their school without needing students or staff to self-report.
Kanter said they’ve had great success in the classroom and the biggest problem areas appear to be in extracurricular activities, after-school activities, and sports.
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