Glasgow And Frazer Schools Confirm First Cases Of COVID

The Valley County Health Department confirmed nine more cases of COVID-19 in the county over the past week. Cases 53 through 57 were announced on Sept. 18, cases 58 through 60 were announced on Sept. 20, and case 61 was announced on Sept. 22. As of press time, the County has nine active cases with 52 recovered, for a total of 61 cases.

Case 53 is a female aged 30-39 who is not hospitalized and is symptomatic. Contact tracing is ongoing.

Case 54 is a female aged 30-39 who is not hospitalized and is symptomatic. Contact tracing is ongoing.

Case 55 is a male aged 10-19. The investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.

Case 56: is a female aged 50-59. The investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.

Case 57 is a male aged 20-29. The investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.

Case 58 is a male aged 50-59 who is not hospitalized and is not symptomatic. Contact tracing is complete.

Case 59 is a female aged 20-29 who is not hospitalized. The investigate and contact tracing are ongoing.

Case 60 is a male aged 40-49 who is not hospitalized. The investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.

Case 61 is a female aged 50-59 who is isolating at home. This individual is symptomatic and was identified through contact tracing. Her investigation and contact tracing are complete.

On Sept. 17, Frazer School issued a release informing parents and guardians of the school they were made aware of two students who tested positive for the virus. The students had not been in the building all week and stressed due to prevention measures that have been in place, there was limited contact throughout the building between the students and fellow students as well as staff. At that time, Valley County Health Department supported the continuation of in-person attendance due to the preventive measures in place.

However, circumstances quickly changed on Sept. 20 when the Frazer school board met and voted to return to distance learning through Oct. 4. The decision was made as a result of high concerns of positive cases and high quarantine numbers of staff and students.

During the time of distance leaning, students will be provided a packet and be required to attend Google Meetings with their teachers for direction instruction. As a result in the shift to distance learning, Native American Week and the Frazer Cross Country meet, which was scheduled for this Saturday, will be rescheduled. Sports practices will resume however athletes must continue to follow MHSA guidelines.

In addition to Frazer reporting their first cases, Glasgow Schools also reported their first cases of COVID-19.

On Sept. 18, the school district was notified that a staff member at Irle Elementary tested positive. The staff member had last worked in perso with fellow students/staff at Irle on Sept. 16, two days prior to their diagnosis. On Sept. 21, the district was notified a student had tested positive and they last had person-to-person contact on Sept. 10. In both cases, the Valley County Health Department is working with the individuals to determine the best course of action.

In the meantime, Glasgow Schools is working with the Health Department and reviewing the Centers for Disease Control guidance to complete cleaning as well as continue to utilize temperature checks, hand washing stations, sanitize classrooms and provide a deep clean of the rooms where the individuals might have frequented.

The Glasgow School District, along with the Health Department, reached out to the families who might have had contact with the individuals to begin remote learning on Sept. 21. At this time, Glasgow Schools will not be closing the schools affected or the district.

In a release provided by the Glasgow Schools, school officials will continue to monitor both situations and will provide further information if and when it becomes available. In the meantime, Superintendent Wade Sundby welcomes any concerns or questions by contacting him at the Central Office, 228-2406.