MISSOULA — Families at Big Sky High School received word on Tuesday that an individual at the school has tested positive for COVID-19.
Big Sky Principal Jennifer Courtney said in an email sent to parents that the individual was last seen on campus on Sept. 3.
Based on the results of the case investigation to date, the Missoula City-County Health Department is not recommending that the school be closed.
Missoula COVID Incident Commander Cindy Farr told MTN News that the next step will be the contact tracing process.
Close contacts will be notified by local public health officials and told to quarantine.
People with COVID-19 related questions can contact the health department helpline at (406) 258-INFO.
Parents with medical questions or concerns regarding your student are being advised to contact their medical provider.
Below is the letter sent out by principal Courtney:
Dear Big Sky High School families:
I am writing to inform you that we have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school. We were informed by the Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) about this positive case on Tuesday, September 8th.
The individual was last in our facilities on Thursday, September 3rd.
MCCHD has started a case investigation and is in the process of conducting contact tracing to identify close contacts to the positive case. MCCHD will not share personal information about the confirmed positive case or close contacts as that information is protected by law.
Based on the results of the case investigation to date, a school closure is not recommended.
We will follow MCCHD guidance and directions regarding individuals released from quarantine and/or isolation. We will not allow the individual and any close contacts back into school facilities until they are released from isolation or quarantine by the health department. We continue our thorough and frequent cleaning and disinfection of all areas throughout our school facilities.
It is important to remember that you will be contacted individually and privately by MCCHD if your student is considered a close contact.
- If you have COVID-19 related questions, please contact the MCCHD help line: 258-INFO.
- If you have medical questions or concerns regarding your student, please contact your medical provider.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Courtney
Principal
Big Sky High School
Rob Watson
Superintendent
Ellen Leahy
Health Officer
Missoula City-County Health Department