For the week ending September 18, there were four positive COVID-19 cases impacting members of our KS ‘ohana. We recently learned that three KS Māʻili Preschool students tested positive. The fourth case, reported earlier this week, involves an employee based at KS Hawaiʻi. The CRT determined that none of these individuals acquired the virus from a KS employee or facility.
All KS preschool and campus sites have been engaged in distance learning since the start of the school year and will continue to conduct distance learning through at least fall break. KS offices on Oʻahu remain closed, and employees continue to work remotely.
Since April, KS has reported 34 positive cases, which represents 0.3% of the 11,000 faculty, staff and students in the KS community statewide.
We understand that this is a stressful time and situation for many. It is also an opportunity for us to come together and support one another with aloha. We can only begin to imagine the amount of stress that these individuals may be experiencing, and we must be there for them with compassion and care. As an ʻohana, we need to lift one another up, so in addition to keeping them in your thoughts and prayers, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of these individuals and their ʻohana.
We also know this news could be unsettling to some and you may find it comforting to speak to someone. We encourage you to reach out to your family’s health care provider if needed.
Visit the CDC’s website to learn more about and recognize symptoms of COVID-19. Refer to ksbe.edu for the latest updates regarding the coronavirus and changes within our facilities and steps we’ve taken to ensure safe learning environments for our kumu and haumāna.
Please be assured that your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. If you have any questions, please reach out to the KS CRT at covid19help@ksbe.edu.
Me ke aloha,
The KS COVID-19 Response Team