With the start of school less than a week away for the majority of students in Clinton County, the Clinton County School Safety Commission held its “Back to School” edition that focused on safety and health Tuesday morning in Rossville.
School Safety Commission Chairman and Rossville Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna had Lifeline from IU Health Hospital land in the school parking lot for a demonstration as well as having a presentation by Clinton County Health Department Director Rodney Wann and Clinton County Health Officer Dr. Steve Tharp.
“I really enjoyed having Lifeline being here,” said Hanna. “I wanted to do that so that school personnel could see what their capabilities are and how they could be part of an emergency response.
“We’ve been in close contact with the Health Department since March 13 and a little bit before that,” added Hanna. “Getting an update from them before school starts is most appropriate.”
Wann said the county is starting their 14th week of testing.
“We are doing well, but we still need to be diligent,” said Wann. “We are going to continue to do testing at least through August.”
Wann said testing for the county is currently being held at 850 Delphi Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tharp added that a face shield is not as effective as wearing a mask. The State of Indiana is currently under a mandate from Governor Eric Holcomb to wear a mask wherever you go in public.
As of Tuesday, Clinton County has a total of three deaths, 326 confirmed cases and 4,763 tests administered.
“I think if we follow the recommendations of the health department we should OK,” said Hanna. “That’s what we tried to do all along. Our plans are to go forth next Wednesday with students. There may be some hiccups. But we’re going to do our best to mitigate the problem.”
Hanna also said he isn’t planning on school to be delayed at the start.
“We need to get the kids back, get the (learning) devices in their hands and I give them some background on those devices,” said Hanna. “I don’t want to start cold and the thought about delaying is how long do you delay. That would be my question.”
Three members of the Lifeline aircraft gave school and local officials a tour of the helicopter as well as discussed certain items of protocol when they are put into action.