Missouri kids camp closes after 82 children and staff get COVID-19

Kamp Kanakuk
Photo credit Kamp Kanakuk

LAMPE, Mo (KMOX) -- More than 80 kids and staffers have tested positive at an overnight camp in Missouri, according to officials. 

82 kids and some staff members who were at Kamp Kanakuk, have tested positive for Coronavirus, Stone County Health Department reported. 

Originally, the health department had reported around 40 positive cases but have updated that number to 82 kids and staffers.

According to officials, the infected campers and staff members returned to their home states and several Missouri locations and then tested positive.

The camp has decided to shut down due to the outbreak.

"Kanakuk is working with SCHD and made the decision to shut down the K-2 camp for this term after being alerted to the suspected COVID-19 cases. The decision to close has resulted in all campers, counselors and staff to return to their homes. SCHD will be working closely with Kanakuk Kamps to identify exposed individuals and quarantine those individuals, as necessary," public health officials stated.

The camp usually offers many retreates throughout the year but it is unclear whether or not or even when they will re-open due the outbreak. 

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