YMCA Camper COVID-19 Cases Increase

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, at least 30 confirmed cases of the camp virus have been identified in Lake Burton and Lake Allatoona. “This number may change as the results are reported, or if a person who tested negative later develops symptoms,” officials said.

YMCA Camp High Harbor closed its two locations last week after a counselor at the Lake Burton site in Rabun County tested positive.

A Thursday email to staff parents acknowledged the increasing number of positive tests by campers and staff at multiple cabins. “We do not name specific cabins to protect the identity and privacy of the camps and staff,” the email said.

Parents are being directed to an investigative supervisor from the state department of health and a case investigator to determine if they should take a COVID-19 test.

DPH officials also say they are conducting contract tracing to identify positive cases. The staff and campers “come from many places in and around Georgia,” state health officials said.

Earlier this week, the YMCA said it “cannot confirm a number” of positive results from the COVID-19 test. But several people who attended the camp in Lake Burton tested positive, and one at the camp in Lake Allatoona. Campers are 7 to 15 years old and staff are 16 to 22 years old.

The YMCA said that all counselors and campers had passed the required evaluations before arriving. The counselor who showed the first symptoms was immediately sent home.

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