Parks Temporarily Suspends Youth Programs In Missoula In Response To Rise In Coronavirus Cases

Missoula MT

11 October, 2020

9:30 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Missoula: October 9, 2020 A staff member who worked with limited, specific groups of Base Camp and Afterschool participants on October 5, 6, and 7 has tested positive for COVID-19. Parks and Recreation notified the affected families on the evening of October 9. Parents will be contacted individually and privately by the Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) if their child is considered a close contact. PLEASE NOTE: If you did not receive an email notification from Parks and Recreation on October 9, your child was not affected by this positive case. Due to HIPAA medical privacy laws, we are unable to disclose additional information about this event. In light of the recent spike in COVID cases in Missoula County, and to protect public health and safety, we are suspending all Base Camp and Afterschool sessions, including the Franklin Elementary program, for the week of October 12. Parents of Lowell Elementary participants will receive updated information on October 11. The Zootown Derailleurs program has been suspended for the remainder of the season. We apologize for the significant inconvenience this will cause; we believe this is the only responsible action to take at this time. By briefly pausing recreation services, we can help reduce community spread and allow MCCHD case investigators time to complete their work. We will automatically credit your Parks and Recreation account for the canceled days next week. Zootown Derailleurs participants will receive a 50% credit of the program fee. If you prefer a refund to your original form of payment, please complete our Refund Request Form. We are currently conducting our internal incident safety review and following public health officials' guidance regarding staff quarantine, equipment cleaning, and additional training as needed. Thank you for doing your part by complying with COVID-19 public health orders and program rules. For the health and safety of your children and our entire community, we urge you to take necessary precautions to limit coronavirus spread. Be proactive about reducing the number of interactions your family members have with others, practice 6' physical distancing, and wear face coverings when you can't physical distance. As always, wash your hands frequently, stay home if sick, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. If you any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please reach out directly to the Health Department at 406-258-INFO (4636) or your health care provider. For questions about the Base Camp Afterschool programs or ZTD, please contact Recreation Manager Meg Whicher via email. As a reminder, if you did not receive an email notification from Parks and Recreation on October 9, your child did not come in contact with the staff member who tested positive. This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author's own.