JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Central Valley Health reports that it’s encouraging to see low positive cases of COVID-19 being found within the Jamestown Public School District.

Central Valley Health Unit Administrator Robin Iszler spoke to the Jamestown Public School Board Monday evening and reported that at the beginning of the school year, there was a spike of cases in the community over a 14-day timeframe.

Iszler added that since then, there has been a drop in positive, active cases in Jamestown.

Iszler says they continue to work with the schools on follow up of positive cases and also identifying close contacts, answering questions from parents, providing guidance to students who may be ill, and providing onsite vaccinations for the flue and other required school vaccinations.

Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech stated that contact tracing efforts within the district and with Central Valley Health shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Later, Regional Director and Psychologist Dan Cramer with South Central Human Service Center addressed the board on mental health issues with children at this time.

Cramer stated he looked at their date, adding that it was important to note that they typically work with individuals in crisis or kids who have anxiety or depression. With that in mind, he said there wasn’t the same trend with kids as there was with adults.

Cramer says it’s still early to have a good sense, but nationally he says there was a survey of kids on their mental health with 80% saying it’s worse since the pandemic began.

In other school news, the community input session regarding the instructional model will be held from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM Monday, October 19th. Superintendent Lech says there will also be virtual options for those who wish to use it.

You can watch the entire school board meeting below: