Bigfork, Flathead high schools report positive COVID-19 cases
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 10 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 16, 2020 9:35 AM
Bigfork and Flathead high schools notified families of positive cases of COVID-19 Tuesday evening.
The Flathead City-County Health Department is reporting 13 active COVID-19 cases among school-aged children countywide. While the health department will not disclose which schools, three staff or students have tested positive for COVID-19 in Flathead High School and one student at Bigfork High School.
An email sent to Flathead families from high school Principal Michele Paine did not specify how many cases involved students and how many involved staff.
“Please note that we will strictly adhere to privacy as deemed reasonable and necessary during a health pandemic outbreak and will not disclose identifiable information of those that have been affected. School officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further information if and when it becomes available,” the email stated.
Both high schools remain open and no additional restrictions have been put in place by the Flathead City-County Health Department.
All close contacts have been notified by the health department and given instructions about quarantining. Close contacts quarantine for 14 days after their last exposure to a lab confirmed case, according to Flathead City-County Health Department Interim Health Officer Tamalee St. James Robinson. Individuals who have COVID-19 isolate themselves “10 days past the onset of signs and symptoms,” according to Robinson.
Over the past two weeks, Glacier and Columbia Falls high schools also reported positive cases.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].
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