HOWARD-SUAMICO (NBC 26) — More answers are coming from Bay Port High School Sunday night, after one of their teachers died from coronavirus Thursday.
Heidi Hussli, 47, taught German at the high school; she was a teacher many students say helped change lives. The district said she tested positive for the virus on September 8 and began quarantining at home. When symptoms progressed, she was hospitalized on September 12, and passed away in the morning of Thursday, September 17.
In a letter to parents, the Howard-Suamico School District said local healthcare leaders said it's not possible to definitively determine, however Hussli's family shared what they believe happened.
The district said Hussli requested a bereavement leave from school to attend a close family member's funeral on September 3 and 4. The family telling the district face coverings were worn at the funeral, but social distancing was inconsistent. Adding, many people had close contact with Heidi as they offered condolences. Hussli's family said based on the event and the timing of her symptoms, they believe she contracted the virus at the funeral; adding others who attended have also tested positive.
The district said, Hussli returned to school on September 8, but left a short time after arriving when she began feeling ill. They said contact tracing revealed Hussli had been wearing a cloth facing covering and an additional plastic face shield; she also had a Plexiglas barrier at her desk. The district determined Hussli had no close contact with students after learning she had COVID-19.
A memorial fund is being set up in her honor through the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation. The letter said HSEF will work with Hussli's family to use the funds in a meaningful way in the future and will have more details later.
As for students returning to school, Bay Port will pause their learning plan on Monday and Tuesday. Students will not have online or in-person classes, but the school is offering support for those who would like it. The district said they will continue with their current Plan B model of blended learning on Wednesday, September 23.
The letter adds, the district will meet with the Brown County Health Department leaders Monday to talk about their current plan supporting the safety of their students and staff. The district said at this time, students and staff have been doing "an exceptional job implementing safety guidelines and protocols." They said their most recent update of cases showed a decline in positive cases of students and staff; but the number of people asked to quarantine due to exposure increased.
The district said families are allowed to switch their student to virtual learning at home as part of their Reopen Plan. You can contact the school to do so.
The letter states counseling will still be available for in-person, over the phone, or online appointments. The district said if you have any questions regarding exposure or COVID-19 testing to call their 24/7 HSSD COVID-19 hotline at 920-662-SAFE (7233). This line is for families in the district. The district also posts weekly updates on their website, and has more information regarding COVID-related questions.
