Detroit’s Holy Redeemer grade school moves to remote learning amid rising COVID-19 infections

At least 11 students tested positive for coronavirus

DETROIT – Students at Holy Redeemer grade school in Detroit are switching to remote learning for the remainder of October due to increasing COVID-19 cases among students.

As of Monday, 11 students at the school have tested positive for COVID-19 since September 22.

Distance learning for students was originally slated to start Tuesday, but it will now being extended even longer due to the community’s latest confirmed virus case.

According to a letter sent to families Monday, everyone is doing well and those infected are recovering. Still, the school says it is taking the situation very seriously.

The Detroit Health Department will be offering the chance for parents to ask questions about the virus and how it might affect their children. The health department was at the school on Tuesday and will host another session on from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday for parents who speak Spanish.

According to a letter sent to families Monday, Holy Redeemer teachers have already sent out learning schedules for students' remote learning. Families are being asked to be proactive and stay quarantined in their homes as much as possible to prevent further spread of the virus.

Officials said the school will not be allowed to resume in-person learning until at least 28 days following the last confirmed case of COVID-19.

The school is asking students and families to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or believes they may have been exposed should contact their primary healthcare provider or get tested for the virus. COVID-19 symptoms can develop up to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Individuals who get tested for COVID-19 are encouraged to self-quarantine until test results are received to prevent the spread of the virus.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention & Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about COVID-19 here.


About the Authors:

Victor Williams joined Local 4 News in October of 2019 after working for WOIO in Cleveland, OH, WLOX News in Biloxi, MS, and WBBJ in Jackson, TN. Victor developed a love for journalism after realizing he was a great speaker and writer at an early age.

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.