COVID numbers up in Guthrie school district with students, staff

With the continued elevation of COVID numbers inside Logan County, the numbers have also increased throughout the Guthrie school district.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson updated the Board of Education on the district’s COVID situation at Monday night’s regular scheduled meeting.

Simpson reported as of Monday that 45 students and seven staff members were in isolation with COVID.

“We are also seeing the usual spike of flu and other various illness with both students and staff,” the superintendent said. Related article: Guthrie Public Schools revises COVID protocols

With the latest county risk level provided by the Oklahoma State Health Department on Jan. 3, the seven day average number of cases for Logan County was 94.71. The total count was 663 cases in the seven days. In the prior week (Dec. 27), Logan County had a seven day average of 10.43 with 73 cases.

Guthrie Schools is one of few schools who have been able to stay open for five days a week in-person instruction. However, Simpson told the school board members the current spike comes at a different time of the year.

School districts across the metro have recently been forced to cancel in-person instruction, including Mid-Del Schools and Oklahoma City.

“We have to keep in mind is the spike we saw in August and September did not come during cold and flu season. So ware are seeing an accumulative effect right now. Fortunately, with only seven staff members out, knock of wood, we are doing well to maintain in person instruction.”

Simpson said the current COVID numbers are similar to last year in late August and early September.

“They haven’t eclipsed them yet and we are hopeful that they don’t,” Simpson told the members.

School officials said they are continuing to disinfect and keeping with all other safety protocols inside the school buildings.