During the quarantine, which can last as long as 14 days, team members are to stay home. No one on the team has tested positive for COVID-19, although the team member who reported symptoms apparently either has or will be tested. School officials are awaiting results.
“Members should stay at home (not attend practices, student orientation, or any building event), separate themselves from others, and monitor their health,” said a letter sent to boys cross country families on Aug. 18 from District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis and Assistant Principal for Athletics Brendan Curtin. “If the student-athlete has a negative COVID19 test, the quarantine will end, and students should resume regular activity.”
News of the quarantine become public last night when the mother of a boys cross country team member spoke at the school board meeting.
Skinkis confirmed the quarantine to the Landmark on Aug. 20 and released the letter sent to boys cross country families. He said the school is following the guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“During this process, the building administration has worked with local public health officials to ensure that proper contact tracing was conducted,” Skinkis said in an email. “Student and staff safety is our top priority. The administration continues to support all of the fall coaches to ensure IDPH guidance and other safety precautions are being followed. We will continue to review and adjust those safety measures as needed.”
Boys cross-country is one of six sports that the Illinois High School Association is allowing to compete this fall along with girls cross-country, boys and girls golf, girls tennis and girls swimming.
These teams have been practicing since Aug. 10. Last Saturday, the boys cross-country team ran a time trial at the RBHS stadium.
