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Sunday, August 15, 2021

Masks and vaccinations recommended for school opening

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  August 11, 2021. Rich County has the smallest percentage of vaccinated people in the tri county area served by the Bear River Health Department.  Only 43% have been vaccinated.  Over one third of the confirmed cases are of people 25 years old and younger. People from 16-25 are very low in vaccination rates in the County.  Students over 12 can be vaccinated in Randolph by the Bear River Health. There have been 160 cases in Rich County.

Jordan Mathis, Director Bear River Health Department, told County Commissioners that they are working with the school districts.  Every communicable disease has a plan.  BRHD plan is to push the prevention side of things including face coverings.  Because of concerns about the children 12 and under who cannot yet be vaccinated, students should wear masks.

Covid 19 testing will be available for free.  Vaccinations are the best preventative option. Vaccinations can be done at the Bear Lake Clinic in Garden City,  Bear River Memorial Hospital in Montpelier Idaho and at m any places in Logan, Utah and Evanston, Wyoming.  BRHD will also send a nurse to give vaccinations.  All vaccinations are free.

Mathis said “Keep sick children and staff home.”

Handwashing and hygiene are also important.  Anyone tested positive for Covid 19 will be required to isolate.  If there is a case in the school, exposed individuals in a classroom will be notified.  The exposed students will then have to wear a mask unless vaccinated.

“We are asking parents to strongly consider these recommendations to keep school open.  If there are 30 cases in two weeks then we will test everyone in the school to see if there is a need for quarantine.”

There is also a chance for athletes to be infected at away games.  Mathis said this should be an incentive to get students over 12 vaccinated to protect the school and the community.  The school will send out more information for school rules.

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