MIDDLETON, Idaho — Southwest District Health (SWDH) is responding after getting several questions about the COVID-19 related death of a Middleton School District employee recently announced. SWDH said the process to complete the official death certificate can take several weeks, which delays the reporting of COVID-19 related death data.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the Middleton School District employee during this difficult time. The employee contracted COVID-19 prior to the beginning of in-person learning within the school district and was not present in the school facilities while students were also on campus,” said Southwest District Health Director Nikki Zogg.
Middleton School District Superintendent Kristin Beck told trustees there have been cases of COVID-19 in staff and students and that some staff members have not fully recovered. In a statement, Beck said the staff is working with SWDH to determine quarantine measures with each case.
The employee who passed did not have contact with students, according to the statement.
“It’s a very sad situation for the Middleton School District and my heart breaks for the employee’s family, friends and co-workers,” Beck said. “The dangers of COVID hit close to home, and this death underscores the need to take the necessary steps to keep our staff and students safe.”
Trustees talked about options for reopening schools to more students, instead of the current hybrid plan. Beck said in the statement that staffing concerns and providing safe distancing for students and staff are important issues.
Board members will continue the discussion at the regularly scheduled meeting on October 12 at 6 p.m.
