The Hancock County Health Department has received notification that 6 individuals within Hamilton Elementary School have received a lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 test result. The Hancock County Health Department is recommending that all students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade not be in attendance tomorrow while they conduct an epidemiological study of the situation. Therefore, all students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and First grade should remain at home tomorrow, January 20, in order for the Hancock County Health Department to complete their analysis. All other students will report as usual. We believe that this process should only take a day and that the health department will issue its guidance by the end of the day tomorrow. Hamilton CCSD #328 has and will continue to follow the recommended CDC guidelines to clean and disinfect the school. The Hancock County Health Department and Hamilton CCSD #328 are sharing this information to provide education, ease uncertainty and suppress rumors. Rest assured that the school district is working very closely with the Hancock County Health Department to reduce the risk of additional transmission. All other students, teachers and staff are asked to monitor for symptoms. If symptoms begin, it is recommended that individuals contact their healthcare provider to determine if a COVID-19 test is necessary. Symptoms reported among patients with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of sense of taste and or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. The Hancock County Health Department strongly urges people to take COVID-19 seriously. It is everyone’s responsibility to help reduce the spread of illness. People should cover their cough or sneeze, wash hands with soap and warm water and stay home if they are ill. In addition, face coverings should be worn in public when a distance of at least 6 feet from other persons cannot be maintained. If additional positive cases are confirmed within the school district, parents and guardians will be contacted. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Hancock County Health Department at 217-357-2171 or Hamilton CCSD #328 at 866-332-3880.