Cy-Fair ISD reports upward trend in COVID-19 cases following holiday break

More than 7,300 COVID-19 cases had been reported in Cy-Fair ISD since the first day of the 2021-22 school year as of Jan. 18, according to district data. About 79% of cases confirmed have been among students, and the other 21% were staff members.

By comparison, the district had about 4,170 total cases confirmed in the 2020-21 school year.

Cases have been trending up since students returned from the winter break with 1,198 cases confirmed Jan. 10-14 and a record-breaking 362 cases confirmed Jan. 18.

Harris County raised its COVID-19 threat level to red, the highest placement on the scale, on Jan. 10, which advises unvaccinated residents should minimize contact with others when possible and avoid leaving home except for essential needs. County officials cited the omicron variant for driving case counts and hospitalizations in early January.

CFISD students and staff are asked not to report to campuses until seen by a health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, a sore throat, a headache, a fever above 100 degrees, vomiting or diarrhea.

Masks are encouraged in schools regardless of vaccination status, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but they cannot be mandated, per an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.

See the district’s full Lead Safely plan here.