ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Summer camps in St. Petersburg recently opened for campers. However, two of them already had to temporarily close because of coronavirus cases.
What You Need To Know
- Walter Fuller Park and Jackson Rec Center closed due to COVID cases
- People who tested positive were asymptomatic
- St. Pete Parks and Rec Department taking precautions to help prevent cases
- More coronavirus news
Walter Fuller Park is one of the two that had to close. The camp took all the necessary precautions, but despite that, these cases still slipped through.
Officials at the St. Pete Parks and Recreation Department said this didn't come as a surprise. They knew they would probably have to deal with a COVID case over the summer months, but in each of these cases, the people who tested positive were asymptomatic, or showed such minimal symptoms they passed the screening each day before coming to camp.
The Director of Parks and Rec said the department is prepared to handle cases as they come up.
"We knew our goal was really a balancing act between parents needing childcare and making sure we could do it as safely as possible. We continue being conservative in our approach, we're following all the best practices, and I really think this a symptom of what's going on in our country and in the world frankly," the Director said.
Despite the screening and sanitizing protocols, Parks and Rec officials said the virus is hard to control.
The second camp that was temporarily closed is the Jackson Rec Center. Officials said everyone who tested positive at both camps are now quarantined.
Both camps will be closed for three days to allow time for a deep cleaning.
City officials said they're working closely with the health department and licensing board and following all of their suggestions and guidelines.