Four COVID-19 cases reported in Flathead County schools
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 6 months AGO
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | September 8, 2020 4:00 PM
Flathead City-County Health Department is reporting four active COVID-19 cases among school-aged children.
Flathead City-County Health Department Interim Health Officer Tamalee St. James Robinson said the cases are in different schools within the county, but would not disclose which ones. The health department has identified and informed 88 close contacts, who will remain in quarantine for “14 days after their last exposure to a lab confirmed case,” Robinson said.
On Tuesday, Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Micah Hill confirmed a positive case at Glacier High School after a message went out to families through the school’s mass notification system on Monday. Hill did not disclose if the case was a student or staff member due to privacy issues. Glacier High School will remain open.
“At this time, Glacier High School is still operating and no additional restrictions are in place from the Flathead County Health Department,” the message stated.
Hill said decisions to remain open or closed will not necessarily be based on how many active cases there are, but is more dependent on a school’s ability to operate, which requires a certain staffing capacity.
Students in quarantine will continue to receive regular class assignments, according to Kalispell Assistant Superintendent Callie Langohr.
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