Harlem, Box Elder schools report COVID-19 in school districts

Both Harlem and Box Elder public schools have closed their buildings after cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the districts.

Harlem School District announced today that at 10 a.m. it was notified that a school district staff member tested positive for COVID-19 and in-class school has been dismissed.

“School officials are working closely and consistently with both Fort Belknap Tribal Health and Blaine County Health Department to determine if there are any risks to the rest of our school and staff populations,” Superintendent Doreen Warren and Blaine County Health Department Lead Local Health Official Jana McPherson-Hauer said in a communication to the Harlem School District Community.

“Out of an abundance of caution, school is being dismissed immediately, and we will be teaching remotely until at least Oct. 9,” the release said.

Box Elder Superintendent Jeremy McDonald put out an announcement today that that district also had a case of COVID-19 confirmed in its facilities.

McDonald said the district buildings would be closed to students for the rest of the week and teachers would be working with students using the district's distanced learning platforms.

The announcements follow Havre Public Schools reporting it was notified of a confirmed case in the district Sept. 20 and Chinook Public Schools reporting it was notified of a confirmed case Sept. 22. No new cases have been reported by those districts.

The Harlem release said the COVID response in the district will be an ongoing effort and the district will update families and the community as the situation develops throughout the school year.

“Do not send kids to school if they are sick,” the release said. “Please do not go to work if you have a cough or shortness of breath.”

“Please stay safe and wear your masks,” the release added.

McDonald said the Box Elder district plans to continue its meal program as scheduled.

He said the district will try to keep everyone informed as it is able.