Although the number of Russellville students who are on COVID quarantine has been reduced significantly, the city school system has announced an upcoming plan to get students back to school more rapidly.

As 3 p.m. Monday, there were just three active cases and 37 quarantined among Russellville students for a total of 40. The total was 184 almost exactly a month earlier on Aug. 25.

No faculty and staff members had active cases or quarantine.

The new plan for getting affected students back into the classroom is explained to parents as follows by school spokesman Conrad Reding:

“Russellville Independent Schools will offer a Test-To-Stay Program beginning Oct. 12. 

“This program will be available to your students in the event they are listed as close contact to a person positive for COVID-19 or if they are experiencing symptoms.
If you choose to enroll your student in this program, he/she will be tested via a rapid test at the beginning of the school day for five days. Provided that the test is negative each day, the student will be allowed to stay at school.

“This testing will only occur if the parent grants permission. Those permission slips are being sent home today.

“This program is in place to prevent lengthy quarantine periods, lessen the inconveniences on the home, all the while keeping student safety as our top priority.

“For questions, please contact Conrad Reding @ 270-726-8405 or conrad.reding@russellville.kyschools.us.”