COVID-19 outbreak prompts closure of Bishop Manogue High School

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno has been forced to shut down due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

In an email sent to parents Tuesday, school administrators said effective April 21, the high school will be on distance learning until April 29.

Manogue's positive case count is nearing 30 individuals with each positive case averaging about 10 exclusions due to possible exposures, according to the email. The school received confirmation from the Washoe County Health District(WCHD) that one of the cases includes a COVID-19 variant of concern. The variant is linked to a more rapid spread and longer exclusion time if exposed.

Administrators say if your student develops any symptoms like fatigue, headache, congestion, or sore throat they should get tested immediately.

All athletics have been shut down as a result of the outbreak.

Following multiple parent reports of a large party amongst 150 to 200 Bishop Manogue students, News 4 & Fox 11 reached out for some insight on contract tracing from WCHD.

According to WCSD spokesperson, Scott Oxarart, "Contact tracing was conducted for school and school events by Bishop Manogue. Social and household contacts have been notified by WCHD. No indication of a singular large party. Several different social gatherings are involved."

News 4 also reached Bishop Manogue about the reported party, they did not say they had any knowledge of a party, but told News 4 that they have jurisdiction for all school-related events -- both on and off-campus.

Jill Johnson,Director of Communications & Alumni Relations for Bishop Manogue, said "If there is an event or gathering not affiliated with the school, the school does not have jurisdiction."

Read the full letter sent to Manogue families below:

Dear BMCHS Families,

Effective Wednesday, April 21, Bishop Manogue Catholic High School will follow a virtual learning schedule until Thursday, April 29. In addition, all athletic and co-curricular activities will be suspended from Tuesday, April 20 through Thursday, April 29. As originally planned, Friday, April 30 will remain a day off school. Athletic and extracurricular activities may resume Friday, April 30.

This campus closure and suspension of activities is in response to a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases and exposure exclusions within our school community. We have also received confirmation from the Washoe County Health District that some of these cases include a COVID-19 variant of concern. This variant of concern is linked to a more rapid spread and longer exclusion time if exposed which is why we are following the recommended exclusion period through April 29 (the full 14 days after our most recent and significant exposure).

We are taking this mitigation step to tamp down this uptick in hopes that we can reduce exposure and exclusions, especially given our robust calendar of end-of-year events which include: spring athletic contests, AP testing, Gold Rush Field Day, prom, and an in-person graduation ceremony. We implore you for your cooperation as we do not want these special end-of-year events to be compromised. Our students have missed out on so much these past 15 months and we are taking these proactive measures in hopes of finishing the school year in a fun and meaningful way.

This time will also allow our staff to contact trace and notify any additional exposures properly. If your student is developing any symptoms, even minor fatigue, headache, congestion, or sore throat, we strongly encourage getting them tested so our records can be as accurate as possible. There also appears to be some confusion among our families regarding proper exclusion time and return-to-campus dates. If you have received an exclusion notice for your child, please adhere to the dates listed, as this will help us limit any additional exposures and exclusions so we can resume activities as soon as safely possible.

Please know our administration shares the mutual desire of many of our BMCHS families for this rapidly changing and confusing time to be behind us. Unfortunately, the health risks remain, and it is our professional and moral obligation to be as transparent, proactive, and forthcoming as we can. The Washoe County Health District has consistently commended our organization for our honesty and concerted effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They support our decision to pause on-campus school and activities.

Common Questions 4.20.21

How many cases are there currently?

Our current case count is nearing 30 individuals, with each positive case averaging 10 exclusions due to potential exposure. Every case and exclusion requires extensive research, contact tracing, and communication on behalf of our administration.

Why do BMCHS policies seem to differ from other school policies in the area?

Bishop Manogue holds ourselves to the highest standards possible in many facets of our school operations. This includes academics, athletics, faith formation, and the safety and mitigation efforts for disease.

Is the Health District closing down the school?

The suspension of on-campus activities is a proactive decision made on behalf of our administration. The Washoe County Health District has consistently commended Bishop Manogue for our honesty and concerted effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They support our decision to pause on-campus school and activities until April 29.

My student has received an exposure notice but has since tested negative for COVID-19, when can they return to school?

A negative test does not equal a return; exposed cases must follow the testing dates outlined in the letter and cannot return until the specified date in the letter.

Example: “If your student has no symptoms and can produce a negative COVID-19 test result between day 5 and 7 of exposure (April 16-18) they may return to school and activities on day 8 (April 19).”

This means your student could return on day 8, not when he or she receives a negative test. If your student returns earlier, we are required to repeat the exposure process. Please adhere to our guidelines to help everyone.

Any additional questions pertaining to our COVID-19 policies can be directed to our administration at administration@bishopmanogue.org

Thank you for your continued patience and please keep our school in your prayers.

BMCHS Administration