| Goldendale, WA, May 22, 2021 – Klickitat County Health Department (KCHD) was notified of an additional fourteen COVID-19 cases in individuals associated with Goldendale High School (GHS) this week after receiving reports of three positive COVID-19 cases last weekend. Over 60 students and staff were absent from the High School Friday according to School Administration officials due to the significant number of close contacts and individuals identified as positive cases. Of the individuals testing positive for COVID-19, there does not appear to be any evidence of in classroom transmission between students and staff at this time. Starting Monday, May 24th, the Goldendale High School will transition to a remote learning for the week of May 24-27 (May 28 is a planned no-school day for the district) in order to minimize any further spread of COVID-19 among students and staff. This decision was made in consultation with KCHD out of an overabundance of caution to keep students and staff healthy as well as minimize any potential impacts to the GHS Graduation which is scheduled for June 11, 2021. Goldendale Middle and Primary Schools will continue with in-person learning. Both the school district and KCHD are continuing to work to investigate any and all close contacts and possible exposures related to this individual case as well as contacting all of those individuals identified to provide quarantine information and resources to any individuals who may have been exposed. Students and staff who have been identified as a close contact or who are a positive case should continue to work with school administration and KCHD staff on when they can safely return to the school setting. You can help slow the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, wearing a face mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are unvaccinated when you are in public, washing your hands, and staying home when you are sick. If you are currently experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your primary care provider about getting tested. COVID-19 symptoms can be different for everyone but generally include some of the following: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or pains, sore throat, sinus congestion, dry or productive cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, loss of smell or taste, and fatigue. Anyone with symptoms can be tested in Klickitat County by calling to make an appointment at Klickitat Valley Health, Skyline Health, or Northshore Medical Group. |
| For More Information follow these links or call: COVID-19 Risk Assessment DashboardNorthshore Medical Group – (509) 493-2133Skyline Health – (509) 493-1051Klickitat Valley Health – (509) 773-4029Klickitat County Public Health – (509) 773-4565 |