West DSM News

Polk County Public Schools ordered Holland Elementary School to close after several staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

A total of eight staff members were infected with the virus, ABC Action News reported.

“In collaboration and conjunction with the Department of Health here locally, they felt the need, given the number of cases there, for us to go in there and do a deep cleaning of the campus,” Polk County Public School Superintendent Fred Heid said, according to ABC Action News.

The school reopened Aug. 10, but masks continue to be optional.

“We don't have the authority right now to mandate masks,” Heid said earlier this month. “The executive order issued by the governor precludes our ability to do so.”

Holland’s in-person orientation is now virtual to avoid further spread among its staff and students. A drive-thru orientation is also scheduled. District officials have given other schools in the area permission to do the same, ABC Action News reported.

“I wish we could have sincerely focused on just bringing students and staff back and welcoming our families back on the first day,” Heid said.

Though severe COVID-19 cases among children are still considered to be rare, parents are growing concerned as statistics have proved the unvaccinated group to be more vulnerable to the effects of the virus, the Des Moines Register reported. Select districts are currently offering an online learning option for families with K-6 students who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Similarly, middle and high school students are eligible for virtual school through the Des Moines Public School's Virtual Campus.