Cham, 20.01.2021

Mutated coronavirus in two schoolchildren

Two schoolchildren in Cham have tested positive for a new corona virus mutation. All the children and teachers of the respective classes are now in quarantine, and must be tested.

Two children in the 4th and 5th grades have contracted a new corona virus mutation, according to the Deputy Cantonal Doctor for Zug. The directly affected teachers, parents, and pupils were informed of the situation on Monday evening, as the Cham municipality (Einwohnergemeinde) announced on Tuesday afternoon.

According to scientific evidence, this mutation is significantly more contagious than the previous virus strains, which is why rapid and comprehensive measures wee needed. The parents, teachers and children of the classes concerned were therefore immediately informed of the situation. "This also ensured that the children can remain in quarantine with immediate effect, and are no longer allowed to come to school," the municipality continued.

38 students and eight teachers in quarantine
The Zug cantonal physician Rudolf Hauri has also ordered that all the children and teachers in the affected classes must also be tested for Covid. According to the communication, this is a total of 38 pupils and 8 teachers. The Cham schools have been in contact with the test centre at the Andreas Clinic in Cham to ensure that all the involved persons can be tested during the course of Tuesday." The test results should be available in one to two days.

In addition, the cantonal doctor recommended to the Cham schools that the school operation for the other classes in the affected school buildings should continue in compliance with the protection concepts. Pupils or teachers with Covid-19 symptoms would be encouraged to get tested as soon as possible. Until the test result is available, the persons concerned should stay at home and not attend the lessons.

Parental talks are now taking place in the digital space
The communication adds that, in the interests of prevention, the Rectorate has adopted various emergency measures for the affected school buildings in addition to the existing measures of the protection concepts. Among other things, the parental talks scheduled for this week will either be held by video conference or be postponed. Teachers have been instructed to limit contacts with each other to the absolute minimum necessary, and, wherever possible, to hold meetings by telephone or video conference.

The recommendations of the cantonal doctor are being implemented, and a close contact is being maintained with all the bodies involved, continues the municipality of Cham. Should further measures become necessary, the Rectorate will provide immediate information.

More than 1600 children
The Cham schools have 250 employees, modern structures and six school centres. More than 1,600 children and young people are taught, from kindergarten to 3rd lower secondary education.