COVID-19 Testing through the 2021-22 School year

My name is Sean Claes. 

I am a high school teacher in Texas.

I teach at a district that required masks for the 2021-22 school year.

Beginning in August 2021, I decided I would take a COVID-19 test each week and write about it.

This is much more than a weekly test, it's something to help me cope with the things I see and experience as being in the world surrounded by the pandemic. 

It is a diary. 

It is a mission.

It is a historical document.

It is a first-person report from my perspective of what I see, experience and have loved ones experience dealing with COVID-19 on a daily basis.

My blog is called "Love Moves First"

I believe if one leads with love, they are moving forward with the intent to help not harm.

This is where I'll keep the links to the different weeks.

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

Week 9 - link

Week 10 - link

Week 11 - link

Week 12 - link

Week 13 - link

Week 14 - link

Week 15- link

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Week 17 - link

Week 18 - link

Week 19 - link

Week 20 - link Week 21 - link

Week 22 - link

Week 23 - link

Week 24 - link

Week 25 - link  

Week 26 - link

Week 27 and 28 - link

Week 29 - link

Week 30 - Missed

Week 31 - link

Week 32 - link

Week 33 and 34 - link

Week 35 and 36 - link

Week 37 - link

Week 35-36 of school (33 and 34th COVID-19 test)

 The United States is nearing 1 million people who have died from COVID-19.

For every 100,000 residents, 303 people have died from COVID-19, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center. 

1/3 of those deaths are of people who got sick and passed away AFTER the vaccine was available and they were not vaccinated. That means many those deaths were likely preventable if people would not have politicized taking preventative measures... and those who weren't able to take the vaccine because of medical reasons could have had a much greater chance at being here today.

I tested last week and the week before. 

Week 35-36 of school.

My 33 and 34th COVID-19 Test.

I was negative both times.

I continue to mask.

My family and I are now one of the last in the room masking.

I continue masking in crowds.

There have been 3,015 cases in Travis County in the last 2 weeks.

There have been 414 cases in Hays County.

I wear a mask so if I come into contact with someone who is sick, I don't carry it on to my loved ones, you or your loved ones.

I do it because I love you.

#lovemovesfirst

2 more weeks of school left. I will wrap up my "COVID-19 testing through the school year" weekly posts. Thank you for reading these. I hope they have informed, educated and perhaps helped you feel seen and heard.

Week 33 & 34 of school - 32nd COVID-19 Test

 Week 33 & 34 of school.
32 COVID-19 test. 

I’m posting this late and again I missed a week of testing. I did test this past Monday at the school testing site. I was negative. 

What to say about weeks 33 & 34?

More and more people are getting comfortable being in the world without masks. I’d say about 40% of the folks at school are unmasked. For the first time this year, I am not feeling pensive when someone walks in a room without a mask. I think it’s because the folks who are choosing to unmask at this point aren’t doing it to prove some sociopolitical point and aren’t being jerks about it. 

Of course… with this also comes the news that one of my close teacher friends who’s family has been careful about masking ended up testing positive last week after his wife (also a teacher) got it. Thankfully they both had a mild case, but he was pretty fatigued this week. 

I have been stepping back out and attending in person meetings and events again. 

It’s a slow process and I’m much more aware of my surroundings and the people I associate with than I was before March 2022. There are a few people who have said and done things to show their true character and heart in the last 2 years. I simply don’t have the desire to surround myself with anyone who doesn’t lead with love and grace... and as I integrate back into the world, I’m being careful to avoid them. 

That said. I still mask indoors and in crowds, and as long as there is one person in the room with a health condition or someone wearing a mask I will continue to do so. 

Yes.… I’m doing it to prove a point. And that point is, I love you. I care about your health and safety. I care about my family and your families well being. 

Because #lovemovesfirst 

Imagine how awesome it would be if we all lead with and responded with love?

I’m take my 35 week test today and update you early next week. 

Love you. 

(The photo is from #MustacheMonday at school.)

Week 32 of school.
31st COVID-19 test 

I was approached at a meeting this week by a person in their 70s. She thanked me for wearing my mask inside as she was feeling like she wouldn’t because none of her friends were wearing theirs and my wearing mine gave her the courage to put hers on. 

How sad is that? Someone who is at risk wasn’t wearing a mask because she thought someone would point her out and make a comment. 

I’ve had that experience too. Comments (In a sarcastic tone) like “Oh, you don’t HAVE to wear a mask in here.” “You can take that thing off in here.” Or “Oh, you’re still doing that?”

I calmly explain that I’m a high school teacher and I am just taking extra precautions to do my best to protect the students and their loved ones as well as my own family who are immunocompromised. At this point, you do what makes you comfortable, and I will do the same.

I will continue to choose to attend or not attend meetings and events based on the protocols in place and my general feeling of safety. When I do, I will be masked inside and while in crowds. 

I do it because I love you. 

I do it because you should not feel pressured to “unmask” before you’re comfortable.

I do it because your health and safety is more important than me being slightly uncomfortable with foggy glasses. 

I do it because I am getting back out into the world and want to make sure I don’t get anyone else sick.

I do it because #LoveMovesFirst
I tested last Saturday. I was negative.

Week 26. 26th COVID-19 Test

Week 26. 26th COVID-19 test. 

What to say that hasn’t been said for the last 6 months. There’s still a pandemic. People are still getting sick and landing in the hospital. 

People who aren’t vaccinated at this point are making a personal choice. The problem with that is… that personal choice, if/when they get COVID-19, they make other people sick. If/when they land in the hospital, they take beds from people who need them (I have a relative who should be in the hospital after a surgery this week… but was sent home because beds are full with COVID-19 patients).

This isn’t political. This is life and death. 

Your personal choices are yours. 

When your choices adversely effect others, it crosses a line.

That is the line where you show your true self…. And when you surround yourself with people who believe that crossing the line is encouraged and acceptable, you become a parrot of hatred. You cause harm.

Me? I’m listening to qualified medical professionals who specialize in infectious diseases for my medical guidance. I’m working hard to love. I’m trying not to be dissuaded by people who respond to love with anger or seek to cause harm… or who simply act like they’re not concerned when they make choices that directly effect my family. 

I’m finding myself getting angry over little things that I used to shrug off. I’ve got to spend more time in silence and prayer this week and work on my heart. Because.  I love you. 

I challenge you, this week to…

Do no harm. Lead with love. 

Love moves first. 

#LoveMovesFirst

My test was negative. 

Here’s to being in a better headspace next week.

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

Week 9 - link

Week 10 - link

Week 11 - link

Week 12 - link

Week 13 - link

Week 14 - link

Week 15- link

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Week 17 - link

Week 18 - link

Week 19 - link

Week 20 - link Week 21 - link

Week 22 - link

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Week 24 - link

Week 25 - link  

Week 26 - link

24th Week of school and 24th COVID-19 Test

Birthday Pregame.... COVID-19 Test!

A sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to think about me yesterday and/or post on my socials for my birthday. Y’all contribute to this bubble of love that surrounds my world. 

This. Is. 49.

The family surprised me with a trip to Houston to spend time with my bestest friends for my birthday… so, we pregamed by all getting COVID-19 tests (we were all negative) and headed out as the roads became safe Friday. 

God bless those who continue to be cautious and take the extra care to make folks around them comfortable. 

If I were to have a birthday wish… if would be that each and every person truly thinks about the health and wellness… mentally and physically… of others before they speak, act, react or post…. And chooses to lead with love. 

24th Week.

24th COVID-19 test.

24+24= 48…. 

+ 1 to grow on…

=

49th Birthday.

I love you.

#LoveMovesFirst

Hashtag blessed

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

Week 9 - link

Week 10 - link

Week 11 - link

Week 12 - link

Week 13 - link

Week 14 - link

Week 15- link

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Week 17 - link

Week 18 - link

Week 19 - link

Week 20 - link Week 21 - link

Week 22 - link

Week 23 - link

Week 24 - link

Week 25 - link

23rd Week of School, 23rd COVID-19 Test. 

I keep thinking the numbers are going down and I keep hearing about people close to me testing positive. 

7,721 new cases in the last 2 weeks in Hays County. 

29,022 new cases in the last 2 weeks in Travis County. 

(Numbers from Texas Department of State Health Services)

I mentioned a friend who had to postpone her chemotherapy treatment because she got COVID-19 a few weeks ago. She just checked into the hospital because she got it a second time. 

Of my students I have had about 30 out this past week. 

I actually took Friday off of work as a mental health day. I told my students what I was doing  on Thursday and told them why. I told them sometimes you have to take a step away from everything so you can come back in a better head space. They all supported me… which was kind of cool… because I want them to know we all are going through some crap and we don’t have to pretend everything is wonderful. 

I have been accused of virtue signaling for posting these updates. That’s the act of saying one thing to look good and doing another in real life. 

I hope you see and understand that these posts are not at all about “look at me” but they are a weekly sharing of the reality and an honest report of what is going on in the world around me. I am doing this because it’s real to me. If I can share what is happening in my life to my friends (online and in person), they now know someone personally who is being impacted. Also, if I can share what’s happening in my life, they can see someone other then themselves are being impacted.

- It’s ok to be the only masked person in the room. 

- It’s ok to be a voice of reason and speak up when you are part of a community when you have concerns to assure the safety of all. 

- It’s also ok to silence those who personally attack you when you lead with love. Not everyone is willing to receive love. 

- It’s ok to take a day off from work to assure you can function at full capacity. 

- It’s ok if you don’t feel compelled or moved to do any of the things.

It’s NOT ok to bully, name call or make someone else feel lesser than. 

Anyhow… I tested negative for the week.

I will continue to mask while indoors and in crowds. I will continue to test weekly. I will continue to lead with love and have meaningful conversations with those willing to do the same. 

I love you. 

#lovemovesfirst

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

Week 9 - link

Week 10 - link

Week 11 - link

Week 12 - link

Week 13 - link

Week 14 - link

Week 15- link

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Week 19 - link

Week 20 - link Week 21 - link

Week 22 - link

Week 23 - link

Week 24 - link

Week 25 - link

22 week - 22nd COVID-19 Test

22 week of school
22nd COVID-19 test

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

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Week 20 - link Week 21 - link

Week 22 - link

This was a worrisome one for me personally. I have so many people I know who have COVID-19 or had it in the last week. 

The kids who were out last week were back… and lots of the kids who were there last week were out.. so it’s certainly cycling through the school. 

…and I was in preparation for running a really large (6k signed up) half Marathon so I was worried about me getting sick this week and really pensive about being in such a large crowd of folks unmasked (even if it was outside).

Most of the people I know who have tested positive are having a really mild bout.. but a few are having a rough go… 

… so prayers of healing for a running friend’s mother in San Antonio who is experiencing COVID-19 Pneumonia. Prayers of healing for my friend & neighbor who works in the medical field who is going through it right now.  More prayers for a friend who is in a serious medical situation who had a family member who lives at their home who tested positive. 

For all others who have tested positive this past week.. I pray you get better and make sure you are not infectious when you re-emerge from your quarantine. 

FYI. They did a really good job at the 3M Half to be as cautious as they could be for those who wished to be cautious. Vaccine cards or a negative COVID-19 test were required at packet pickup, as runners loaded into the chute, masks were REQUIRED at least until you passed the start line (I got about a quarter mile in before demasking). They staggered the start times over an hour or so… in five minute increments (but got the city ok to allow folks to slip in when ready so there wasn’t a wait if a runner really wanted to go… I left at 8:10 instead if my 8:25 start time). So… as far as my comfort in the race… it was pretty good. When I finished I masked up as soon as I got back to a regular breathing pattern from the run.

Anyhow… 

Y’all have a blessed week.

I hope you mask up and get tested and get or remain well. 

I will do the same. 

It’s what people who lead with love do. 

I love you. 

#LoveMovesFirst

21st week of school - 21st COVID-19 TEST.

21st week of school - 21st COVID-19 TEST. 

This week was brutal, y’all. I had an average of 10 students out from each of my classes who were either COVID-19 positive or had close contact with a person who tested positive. 

The school musical was supposed to be this weekend. At about 3p on opening night (Thursday) the cast and crew were informed that the musical had to be postponed. We’re talking 4 months of work by the theatre department and music department….gone…. Hours before the musical was to begin. 

I had a Curative test scheduled for today, but I decided to get in line during lunch on Friday for the rapid test that have at Akins. (There was one person in line and I got tested within 5 minutes). While waiting for my results I watched as a student 20 feet from me got his results that he tested positive. It was heartbreaking to watch as this 15 year old kid realized what was happening. It was hard to watch as he apologized to his friends who went to test with him. All he did was go to school…. And sit in a classroom…  (I released my test for today so someone else could take the spot…FYI)

On Friday about 1/4 of the teaching staff was out.

So many friends and loved ones and colleagues currently have tested positive. Thank goodness the vast majority of the friends and loved ones I know have been vaccinated and mostly boosted… so their bout is light.

I remain masked while indoors and while outdoors in crowds. Our N-95 masks came in this week and they’re actually pretty comfortable as masks go. It sure beats double masking. 

I will continue to remove myself from situations where someone else who is not taking the proper precautions can get me sick. I don’t want to risk infecting my loved ones, colleagues, students or their families just because one person is being selfish and refuses to wear a mask. I will not be intimidated and I would encourage everyone to do the same. 

I do so because I love you. I don’t want anyone to get sick, and a surely don’t want to be the person who gets you sick. 

For those who have tested positive recently, I pray the symptoms are mild and you recover fully. If you’re in this area and you are sick and need something… message me. I’d be happy to do a porch drop for you. 

Love you. 

#LoveMovesFirst

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

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Week 20 - link

Week 21 - link

20th Week of the school year. 20th COVID-19 test

20th Week of the school year. 20th COVID-19 test. 

This is only the second time I’ve had to schedule a test days in advance of going to get tested… but being this is the first week back from winter break and the first day back 10 people on campus tested positive… I felt it was my responsibility to test. 

It’s been a tough week.

The N95 masks that Jodie ordered are somehow bouncing around in transit here, so I’ll continue to double mask. 

I refuse to allow anyone to make me feel guilty for testing or call me out negatively or make me feel bad for taking the steps to assure I’m being as safe as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I am around hundreds of people each day whom I want to protect. The best way I can do that is by making sure I’m not part of the problem. 

I attended something indoors today that was a mask required event. When someone walked in without a mask, I looked around for one to provide the person. Where I realized there were no masks available, I removed myself from the event. It was a little bit uncomfortable to do so, but necessary. 

I ran a 5k yesterday. I wore a mask before and after the race and staggered my start so I wasn’t in a pack… and wore my gaiter until I had gotten to a point where I had a little distance between myself and other runners. It’s not required or expected… but for me it is an extra step I am willing to take to assure I’m protecting myself and you.

Speaking of protection… If you need to be tested please go to curative.com and book a test. If Curative is Booked up, there are additional Hays County options here: https://hayscountytx.com/covid-19-testing-sites-in-hays-by-appointment-only/

(Call the location to assure availability).

If you’re not in this area Google “COVID testing” in your city and there should be options for you. 

Making sure you are safe is making sure your loved ones and every person you come into contact with is safe. 

That’s how you can show love. 

#LoveMovesFirst

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

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First COVID-19 test of the New Year (Week 19)

First COVID-19 test of the New Year. Was able to take the quick test before school today. 

So many people sick right now. So many people not taking proper precautions. Several colleagues are out with COVID-19. Someone I know is currently in the ER because they have COVID-19 and can’t stop coughing. A friend may have to miss their radiation treatment because they tested positive. Another friend was exposed to someone who tested positive over New Years… And I actually had a conversation with someone who still thinks the government is trying to trick the world with the booster shot and said their “medical person” at their job said it wasn’t needed. 

If there was any little piece of a part of the COVID-19 I found humorous… I would have found that conversation laughable. I find it sad. And upsetting. But mostly sad. 

I double masked today. 

I tested today. 

I made sure my classroom was as safe as possible for the students who entered the doors today. 

Why?

Because I love you. 

Because If there is anything I can do to make sure you are as safe as possible I am going to do it. 

Because thoughts and prayers are empty without actions and love. 

My rapid test came back negative by the way. 

I have a “regular” one scheduled for Saturday. 

You should too… just to be sure. Go to curative.com and schedule one. Please?

#LoveMovesFirst

My Journey:

Week 1 - link
Week 2 - link
Week 3 - link

Week 4 - link

Week 5 - link

Week 6 - link

Week 7 - link

Week 8 - link

Week 9 - link

Week 10 - link

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