Elizabethtown, N.C.,02/11/2021)- Effective February 11, 2021, the East Bladen boys soccer team has canceled workouts and competitive play through February 22, due to COVID-19 issues. According to a press release, Bladen County Schools learned on February 10, that 20 individuals associated with the boys’ soccer team had been identified as close contacts to an individual that has tested positive for COVID-19.
The BCS press release stated, “Due to privacy requirements and NCGS § 130A-143, we cannot release to the public the name of the individual or details that may identify him or her, but the information has been provided to the Bladen County Health Department in accordance with NCGS § 130A-136.”
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has been made aware of the positive case and quarantine time, responding that “the team must postpone any scheduled contest during this quarantine period.”
The boy’s team will return to workouts and competitive play after February 22. The team was scheduled to play Red Springs on February 10; however, that game was canceled due to quarantine protocols. Additional competitions that will not be played due to quarantine are West Bladen on February 15 and St. Paul’s on February 18.
The health department is investigating the case and is working with school staff to identify anyone who may have had close contact (i.e., within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with the COVID positive individual. Any impacted person/s who were determined to be in close contact with the infected individual have all been notified effective February 10. Those that were in close contact will remain off-campus for up to 14 calendar days to ensure that there will not be any potential further spread.
BCS stated, “If the health department does not contact you directly, you have not been identified as a close contact. The safety and well-being of Bladen County Schools’ students and staff is always our number one priority. We are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of all. Bladen County Schools are following CDC and DHHS guidelines as we continue to monitor the situation.”
The press release continued, “Our Board is committed to the health and safety of its employees and students and supports measures that will keep all safe. Furthermore, we need everyone to do their part at school and at home to maintain social distance from others outside of their household, wear face coverings, and wash /sanitize hands often.”
In closing BCS stated, “The goal of every action in this sequence of events is to protect our students and staff and get back to learning and school activities as soon as possible. We will continue to work with Dr. Terri Duncan, the Bladen County Health Director, to follow recommendations as to proactive steps we can take to ensure the safety of our employees and students.”
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