DCS releases weekly COVID-19 case report

Nearly 400 students with COVID-19 in DCS schools last week

There was a marked increase in the number of new coronavirus positive cases among DeSoto County Schools (DCS) students in the first report since the Christmas break and the return to classes.  

The report issued Monday can also be considered reflective of the marked rise in the number of cases around the state of Mississippi and in the nation, along with students being away from school, possibly traveling away from home for the holidays.  

The report showed a total of 389 new cases of COVID-19 among DCS students in the school week ending Jan. 7. The figure compares to just 40 new cases for the week ending Dec. 17. 

The district also showed 94 students were placed in COVID-19 quarantine for the week ending Jan. 7, compared to 90 for the week ending Dec. 17, when students left for Christmas break.  

DeSoto Central High School was the attendance center with the most number of new COVID-19 cases in the week ending Jan. 7. DeSoto Central also had the most students in quarantine at 25.  

Southaven High School was next in cases with 26, DeSoto Central Middle had 24 new cases and Southaven Intermediate reported 23 youngsters with coronavirus.  Olive Branch High School reported 22 cases. 

After DeSoto Central High School with 25 quarantines, Pleasant Hill Elementary was next 13 new quarantines. 

Coronavirus was also active among staff members and teachers with 129 school staffers having contracted the virus during the past week.   

The complete report is shown below and is also found on the DeSoto County Schools official website.