COVID trips up CCSD2

In the past week, Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) has dealt with a minor coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that has provided a speed bump to winter sports.

In a January 27 update from CCSD2 Superintendent Jim Copeland informed parents and others in the district that the Saratoga Panthers had just returned from a quarantine following two positive cases along with the Saratoga Lady Panthers, who had three positive cases. Additionally, the Encampment Lady Tigers were quarantined as of January 24 due to two positives.

A day after the announcement from Copeland, the Encampment Tigers were also quarantined.

Additionally, the Saratoga wrestling team—which includes Encampment students—had seven members of their team quarantined due to one positive and six close contacts. According to Copeland, Carbon County Public Health performed the contact tracing and made the determination of quarantines.

Valley Village Childcare was also quarantined as of January 26 (editor’s note: Telitha Bergeson, wife of Joshua Wood, is employed by Valley Village Childcare) due to a staff positive according to Copeland. The superintendent also explained that quarantine dates may vary depending on the reason for quarantine; whether they result from a positive test or contact with someone who tested positive.

County-wide, active COVID cases are on the rise. According to information provided by Carbon County Public Health on February 1, there were 54 active cases with 25 pending active cases. Carbon County has seen 1,112 laboratory reported cases of COVID-19 since March and 97 probable cases. The county has also seen 17 deaths related to the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 Moderna vaccine, meanwhile, continues to be administered with a total of 1,886 combined first and second doses given as of February 1.