Schools discontinue facility use amid COVID-19 concerns - leaves Pop Warner and others to scramble
/For the second time in a month KCSD, KCFS, and Hosanna say no to outside groups due to a spike in COVID cases
High School Athletes play 7-on-7 at Hosanna Christian School in early October. (Image: Brian Gailey/Klamath Falls News)
“We are concerned we are trending in the wrong direction,” said Glen Szymoniak, superintendent of the Klamath County School District. “We are doing everything we can to keep our schools open and improve metrics so we can have more students back in school.”
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - For the second time this month, the Klamath County School District, Klamath Falls City Schools, and Hosanna Christian School have had to discontinue facility use because of concerns about increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the county.
The schools worked with community groups to reopen facilities last week after the number of new cases decreased for two weeks in a row.
Due to this week’s spike in COVID-19 cases, districts, and Hosanna have discontinued the use of their facilities by outside groups as of Oct. 29. This includes weekend games and activities scheduled on school fields and campuses.
As of Thursday morning, Klamath County Public Health reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 in the county.
“We are concerned we are trending in the wrong direction,” said Glen Szymoniak, superintendent of the Klamath County School District. “We are doing everything we can to keep our schools open and improve metrics so we can have more students back in school.”
Klamath County Pop Warner who had games scheduled on various district properties this weekend said on their Facebook Page: “Due to the rise in Klamath County COVID cases we are forced to cancel all remaining games. Thank you all for a great season and a special thanks to Klamath County Pop Warner board members that worked so hard to provide this season for our players. We hope everyone stays safe and we look forward to normal tackle football season in 2021!”
About an hour later Klamath County Pop Warner shows hope of continuing the season with the following post: “There will be no more practices or games on city, county or private school property this season, but we may be able to play our last games at an alternate location. Please stay tuned for more information.”
The latest update from Klamath County Pop Warner shows that middle school games will play at the Merrill Civic Center and the High School Games are still canceled.