Pocatello-based school district warns of potential coronavirus exposure tied to football

Students participating in a summer high school athletic program in Pocatello may have been exposed to COVID-19.

In a letter sent to parents of Highland High students, Pocatello Chubbuck School District 25 said a member of the school’s athletic staff tested positive for COVID-19 and others may be infected.

The district reports that student-athletes and coaches may have been exposed to the coronavirus June 18-19 and Monday. The staff member reportedly tested positive on Thursday.

“At this time, we are taking immediate measures to close down and thoroughly disinfect and sanitize the impacted areas,” the letter reads. “As a further preventative measure, we have also taken steps to cancel activities or events scheduled that involve Highland athletes through the weekend.”

The district reports working with Southeastern Idaho Public Health as soon as it learned about the positive test.

SIPH spokesperson Tracy McCulloch told EastIdahoNews.com that as soon as District 25 notified the health district of the positive test Thursday morning, officials began contact tracing.

The infected staff member is from Bannock County and did not need to be hospitalized, McCulloch said. The person is recovering at home.

Highland football coach Gino Mariani told the Idaho Statesman on Thursday that the person who tested positive was an adult who helps with the football program. Mariani added that the person had limited contact with athletes and is now quarantined.

As a precautionary measure, District 25 asked students and parents to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and limit interactions with others.

The decision on how the district will move forward with their athletic programs will be discussed on Monday, according to the letter.

Idaho Statesman reporter Rachel Roberts contributed to this report.

This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 3:06 PM.