By Jalen Maki

Tomahawk Leader Editor

TOMAHAWK – The School District of Tomahawk Board of Education, during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 23, voted to make two changes regarding its COVID-19 policies.

Beginning in early Jan. 2022, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) will conduct COVID-19 contact tracing for the district.

Previously, the district managed its own contact tracing. Health departments currently handle such duties for other local districts, including Merrill Area Public Schools.

The board also approved a change to its quarantine policy. Under the change, only students who test positive for COVID-19 or show symptoms will be required to quarantine.

Interim District Administrator Joe Innis said with that policy adjustment, the district will not have to “(quarantine) full classrooms, like at the elementary school, as we have done in the past.”

After discussion, the board voted to approve both policy changes, which will go into effect after students return from winter break on Jan. 3.