Multiple campers, staff members test positive for COVID-19 after camp shut down due to virus

LAKE BURTON, Ga. — Officials at a north Georgia summer camp said multiple campers and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 after a counselor was diagnosed with the virus.

Camp High Harbor at Lake Burton announced they were shutting down for the summer after the counselor tested positive in late June during a mandatory screening.

"The counselor... passed the mandated safety protocols and screening, inclusive of providing a negative COVID-19 test, before arriving at camp and did not exhibit any symptoms upon arrival," officials said. "In fact, all counselors and campers attending passed all mandatory screenings."

On Saturday, camp officials said more cases of the virus have popped up “across multiple cabins from Camp High Harbor.” They did not reveal the number of positive cases but told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the campers raged in age from 7 - 15 and staff are 16 - 22.

The YMCA camp also has another location at Lake Allatoona, where officials said a camper has also tested positive.

Camp officials urged families to get their children tested, even if they are asymptomatic.

Officials said they are working with the Department of Public Health, which may contact families if their child came in contact with someone who was infected.

“The safety and well-being of everyone we serve will always be our top priority” officials said. “We will continue to provide information and keep you updated.”

Parents hesitant as summer day camps allowed to reopen Some parents said they were relieved when the governor announced overnight camps would remain closed.

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