Covid update, Twin Bridges Schools closed

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services shares weekly updates of Montana’s public schools on coronavirus activity. Madison County had 14 active COVID-19 cases, with three residents being hospitalized because of their COVID-related illnesses as of Oct. 13. The Madison County Office of Disaster and Emergency Services reported hospitals in Silver Bow, Lincoln, Lewis and Clark and Dawson counties were nearing capacity for patients. Gallatin, Yellowstone, Granite and Broadwater are also concerned with rate of patients they are receiving.

Twin Bridges School closed due to a positive COVID-19 case for three days.

A student was sent home with COVID-19 symptoms Oct. 7. The parent contacted the school administration Sunday afternoon about the student's positive COVID-19 test result, according to Madison County Sanitarian Van Puckett. Twin Bridges School District canceled school Oct. 12.

"There was a positive test and therefore the school is closed today (Monday) for cleaning and disinfecting," Twin Bridges School District Superintendent Thad Kaiser said.

The student who tested positive for COVID-19 is a Twin Bridges athlete and their teammates were considered close contacts, according to the Madison County Sanitarian Office. “All activities and practices are canceled until further notice and middle and high school students should prepare for distance learning,” Kaiser said. “Lower elementary staff will use the time off to strengthen distance learning plans for younger students.”

MCPHD was not able to contact trace the case entirely within 24 hours, according to Puckett. MCPHD and Madsion County Ssanitarian Office advised the school to remain closed through Oct. 14. The Twin Bridges School Board met Oct. 5 to move forward with the three-day closure. The school is also closed for teacher conventions on Thursday and Friday.

"The health department needs to be notified immediately by the administration," Puckett said.