The Hancock County Health Department is recommending that all students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade not be in attendance on Thursday and Friday while they work with the Illinois Department of Public Health to determine if there is an epidemiological link between cases and which Covid-19 variant is involved in the increased number of cases at the elementary school; specifically, in The Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade. Therefore, all students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and First grade should remain at home tomorrow, January 21 and Friday, January 22. All other students will report as usual. We will plan for Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade students to Return on Monday, January 25. Staff has also been impacted and our return on Monday is dependent on having adequate staff present. We will provide notice as soon as possible if anything should change. 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. 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. 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.