COVID-19 vaccinations may begin soon in West Liberty

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“I have some very exciting news.”

That’s how West Liberty School Superintendent Dr. Diego Giraldo began his report to the Board of Education Monday evening, stating that COVID-19 vaccinations could begin as early as next week in the community.

He said because of the relationship the district has built with the Muscatine County Public Health Department, the district was contacted as probable vaccination centers for local residents, with vaccines arriving in the county this week. He said both the West Liberty Middle School and the high school are being considered, but said he also pointed out the West Liberty Community Center as an option.

He said nothing is definite, but Muscatine County health officials are preparing to receive and dispense the preventative vaccines throughout the county with small shipments of the vaccine arriving as early as Sunday, Dec. 13.

The health department is working with the hospital, emergency management agency and community partners on developing plans to distribute the vaccine.

“We will be setting up points of dispensing in several communities and locations throughout our county to reduce barriers for accessing the vaccine,” said Christy Roby Williams, Director of Muscatine County Public Health. “We want to make it as easy as possible to obtain for people seeking this preventative measure.”

Public Health will be directed how the vaccine must be distributed to specific priority groups of populations from the state. Healthcare personnel and special populations will be served first, and the general public will come at a later date. MCPH will communicate these tiered priority groups, locations, and times of vaccine distribution sites to the county once they receive shipment of the vaccine, officials said.

“When possible, we encourage all community members to receive the vaccine in order continue fighting the spread and keep Muscatine safe and healthy,” said Williams. Officials said vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. To get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine please rely on reliable sources such as the CDC. Other steps, like masks and social distancing, help reduce chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.

Back in classrooms/gyms

West Liberty schools opened back up to classroom education Monday following three weeks of virtual education from home, a district team deciding on Dec. 2 it was safe enough to return to live education for both staff members and students.

Dr. Giraldo reported virtual education has been more favorable for families in the district since the start of the school year, many making a change toward all-virtual education at the end of the first trimester on Nov. 17.

At the present time, 79 percent of West Liberty Elementary School students are doing hybrid education while 23 percent are virtual, and 73 percent of middle school students are hybrid, with 27 percent virtual,while the high school has 56 percent of students educated virtually while just 44 percent are hybrid.

The superintendent said the fact every student now has their own computer device may have made a difference for families along with the fact students are learning every day to adapt to virtual education. "It's not an obstacle any more," he said.

In the sports world, things have changed with winter sports according to activities director Adam Loria, who also reported to the board. He said although students are back in action again, including events starting tonight (Thursday - check schedule on page 7), the state has a proclaimation that only two fans per player are allowed at events and cannot enter the facility until 15 minutes before the start of the game. He said the pair of tickets for fans is only good from players and said coaches nor cheerleaders are given tickets. He said that may change, but he is awaiting word.

Look for more on West Liberty Community School District board meeting in next week’s Index.

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