The Jefferson City Area YMCA says it has contained a COVID-19 outbreak at its summer camp.
Administrators of the camp sent out an email Thursday that told parents of the outbreak. It said the camp had seven children and one staff member test positive for COVID-19 this week.
It also implored parents and guardians to make certain their children are well before bringing them to the camp.
"We do have plenty of masks available, and are happy to help your child wear one if that is your choice," the email told parents.
An earlier email from July 9 reported that one camper in the YMCA's fourth-grade class had tested positive for COVID-19.
After learning that the YMCA contacted the Cole County Health Department, which informed it that the nature of the camp's activities - and the time students spend outside - lower the risk of campers being exposed to the virus.
Shelly Poire, director of development and marketing for the YMCA, contacted the News Tribune about how the organization responded to the latest outbreak.
"The YMCA Childcare Department has communicated with the health department and is encouraging the practice of social distancing as well as continuing to clean and sanitize thoroughly," she wrote to the newspaper in an email. "Masks are available for staff and participants if they choose to wear them. All parents with children in the summer camp program have been made aware of the positive cases."