The School District of Rhinelander announced Monday afternoon that Bowen's Bus Service has temporarily cut three routes after "some of their staff have tested positive for COVID-19," but maintains no students were exposed to any of the affected staff members.
The notification first went out by robocall, followed by a post on the district's website and Facebook page.
"We have been notified by Bowen's Bus Service that some of their staff have tested positive for COVID-19 and this will impact the busing routes," the notice said. "Bowen's has adhered to social distancing recommendations, so no students have been identified as close contacts to any of the positive staff."
The notice defined close contact as anyone who has been within 6 feet of a COVID positive individual for greater than 15 minutes during that person's infectious period.
"Currently, Bowen's is looking at rearranging bus routes as well as trying to maintain safe physical distancing while following current mitigation strategies. Due to limited capacity, bus routes may be longer this afternoon (Nov. 2)," the notice said.
Parents were given the option to pick their children up at school.
Starting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, routes 26, 36 and 39 will not run until further notice.
"Students normally on these routes will need to make alternate transportation arrangements," the announcement said.
The notice said future temporary changes will be communicated as the district is notified by Bowen's.
"The school district will make families aware as soon as we receive that information from Bowens," the notice said.
This is a developing story and will be updated when further information becomes available.
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