The Kent School District has closed one or two classrooms at five elementary schools due to COVID-19.

The closures are at Carriage Crest, Covington, Horizon, Millennium and Sawyer Woods elementary schools, according to the district’s website on May 23.

The district considers closure of a classroom after consultation with Public Health–Seattle & King County

when:

• Three or more students or staff in the same room/area test positive for COVID-19

• The cases have symptoms that start within 14 days of each other

• The cases are not associated with one another in another setting (household, club, etc.)

According to a May 24 report by Public Health–Seattle & King County, COVID-19 risk for people in the county has increased over the past several weeks. In late April, case rates put King County into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level.

“Unfortunately, we continue to receive many reports of COVID-19 cases and clusters throughout the community, including from schools and childcare centers,” according to Public Health–Seattle & King County.

Here’s the Kent School District classroom closure list:

Carriage Crest Elementary

Status: As of May 23, two classrooms are closed on the recommendation of Public Health. Otherwise, the building is open and offering in-person instruction to students in the remaining classrooms. The school contacted all impacted families of the closed classrooms on May 23. The classrooms will reopen on May 31 with masks required through June 2.

Covington Elementary

Status: As of May 23, one classroom is closed on the recommendation of Public Health. Otherwise, the building is open and offering in-person instruction to students in the remaining classrooms. The school contacted all impacted families of the closed classrooms on May 23. The classrooms will reopen on May 26 with masks required through May 30.

Horizon Elementary

Status: As of May 24, one classroom is closed on the recommendation of Public Health. Otherwise, the building is open and offering in-person instruction to students in the remaining classrooms. The school contacted all impacted families of the closed classrooms on May 24. The classrooms will reopen on May 31 with masks required through June 2.

Millennium Elementary

Status: As of May 23, one classroom is closed on the recommendation of Public Health. Otherwise, the building is open and offering in-person instruction to students in the remaining classrooms. The school contacted all impacted families of the closed classrooms on May 23. The classrooms will reopen on May 26 with masks required through May 30.

Sawyer Woods Elementary

Status: As of May 23, one classroom is closed on the recommendation of Public Health. Otherwise, the building is open and offering in-person instruction to students in the remaining classrooms. The school contacted all impacted families of the closed classrooms on May 23. The classrooms will reopen on May 26 with masks required through May 30.

Masking, testing tips

Public Health–Seattle & King County offers tips about what parents should consider for masking and testing with the increased level of COVID-19.

The risk of exposure to COVID-19 is higher than a month ago, both within schools and in the community. That’s why Public Health has been recommending wearing masks in indoor public settings and other prevention measures, particularly since we reached the Medium Community Level.

Each family needs to weigh the risks and benefits of wearing masks for their children, but at this time, parents should know that the risk of getting COVID-19 has been on the rise the past few weeks. Here are some tips for your family:

• Assess the health risks within your family and take precautions, especially if your child or family members are immunocompromised or have conditions that put them at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease. Wearing a mask is especially important for people at higher risk for severe disease. You may want to talk with your families’ health care provider to make a plan to obtain COVID-19 treatment for those who are at higher risk of severe illness if they become infected.

• You can also ask your health care provider to explore preventive medications for people who are immunocompromised. When taken before infection or exposure, a medication called Evusheld helps your body fight the coronavirus and avoid getting really sick or needing to go to the hospital.