Based on existing literature, the incubation period (the time from exposure to development of symptoms) of COVID-19 ranges from 2–14 days. This period is distributed among a typical scientific curve, which means the majority of new cases come three-to-eight days after exposure.
Nearly 40% of Nordonia's positive COVID cases this year came within 10 days of Thanksgiving break. This confirms what is stated above, and shows us that the increase in positive COVID-19 cases among our staff and students was likely due to community spread during the holiday break. Meanwhile, Summit County has moved from purple level 4 in Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System (OPHAS) to red level 3.
Taking what we learned from the rise in cases after Thanksgiving break, and considering the upgrade in the county’s OPHAS status, this is the plan for Nordonia student attendance for the next two weeks:
- January 4-8: Ledgeview, Rushwood and Northfield return hybrid, with the Nordonia Group attending Monday/Wednesday and the Knights group attending Tuesday/Thursday.
- January 4-8: Lee Eaton, NMS and NHS stay fully remote.
- January 11-TBD: Ledgeview, Rushwood and Northfield return five days per week.
- January 11-TBD: Lee Eaton, NMS and NHS return hybrid.
Ideally this will allow the secondary buildings to run through the most dangerous incubation period from New Year’s Day before returning to school, at the same time providing plenty of social distance at the elementary schools during this same period.
As with everything COVID-19, things can change with the drop of a hat; in our case, the hat dropping would be an outbreak among staff that would make operating a building impossible. I will continue to monitor student and staff positive cases and quarantines and inform you if the plan above needs to change. Please continue to contact your building principals when your child tests positive for COVID-19.
As always, please wear masks, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands often, and maintain distance with others. I am looking forward to students returning to school on January 4, and I am hopeful that we can keep schools open for the rest of the year.
Happy New Year!