The Story
A Nashua hockey camp has resulted in three Bedford School District coronavirus cases.
What even happened?
On August 30th, Mr. Fournier broke the news that our first positive COVID-19 test had surfaced at Riddle Brook Elementary School. Only two days later, a second and third case was announced as well, at Peter Woodbury and McKelvie. But don’t worry, they didn’t get it because someone forgot to call an escort to the bathroom. All three of these individuals are believed to have not contracted it at school. Instead, a hockey camp in Nashua was the culprit.
How did they get it?
The “Bruins Battle Camp,” organized by Pro Ambitions Hockey, was held at the Conway Arena from August 17th to 21st. According to the website, it was available for players 6-16. As for its coronavirus safety protocol, participants were not required to wear a mask on ice and were advised to “avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.” Rookie mistake. Although it was recommended that players came dressed for hockey, the locker rooms were open for use.
What else?
Before the kids and their families entered the arena, they needed to perform a self check for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, muscle aches, and you probably know the rest. However, at least one of the Bedford cases has been asymptomatic, so that was kind of a bust. They also needed to have not travelled outside of New England for the 14 days leading up to the camp.
Any other cases?
This isn’t just our precious Bedford kiddos. Five other NH kids and four staff members have reported being infected as well. Apparently, twelve cases from one event was enough for the state department to make a statement about it, which clarified that many of the participants had also been to Connecticut and Massachusetts for camps as well. This did not violate the rules of Conway Arena, but it does explain how the coronavirus was most likely brought into the camp.
What are we doing?
The kids are, obviously, in quarantine for the time being. Fournier has said in three separate emails that because of the “effective mitigation measures” (aka, all the rules we have to follow), the cases will most likely not cause a major spread. In fact, the Peter Woodbury case has already been confirmed as an isolated incident. Hey, we’ll take anything we can get. The school district is also working closely with the New Hampshire DHHS to ensure that further exposure is limited.
The Runaway
Don’t play hockey in the summer.
What to Do…
When you’ve forgotten about that whole guidance counselor thing…
Don’t worry, we didn’t. We’re flashing back to our inaugural issue to bring you an update. Here’s some context for those of you who haven’t been with us since the beginning: about two years ago, former BHS guidance counselor Kristie Torbick was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student at Exeter High School and condemned to two 2 ½ to 5 year sentences. Two other counselors who still work at BHS wrote letters supporting Torbick, the dean of students got fired and sued the district, and former superintendent Chip McGee tendered his resignation. So yeah, it was a mess. Why are we talking about this now? It appears that Torbick was up for parole in late July. However, after a quick call to the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, we learned that she is, in fact, still incarcerated. And according to the inmate locator on the NHDC website, Torbick could be in prison possibly until July 2023. Let’s just hope we don’t have to bring this up again until then.
When we almost lost our favorite thing to talk about…
Never fear! In mid August, the school released a guide explaining which sports could train and which sports could do interscholastic competition, all with restrictions. And of course, parents and student athletes were not too happy about the school board’s decision to suspend some interscholastic play, specifically for football and soccer. The school board meeting, petitions, and heartfelt speeches that have followed finally prompted some changes to the policy: soccer is now allowed to have interscholastic play, joining field hockey, cross country, outdoor volleyball, golf, and bass fishing. All of these sports have restrictions to accommodate social distancing and mask wearing, but they get to run (haha pun intended), so everyone is at least somewhat satisfied. Football, by some miracle, is also allowed to have interscholastic play, but all the football players are required to go remote for the season. So no more boys wearing football jerseys on game days wandering the halls. It’s unclear whether or not spectators are allowed for any sports competitions, but we’re guessing if we hijack another school board meeting, fans would be allowed in some capacity.
Things to Know…
After a whole lot of turmoil…
There’s a new turf! We don’t have to complain about it anymore.
Something positive…
You can drop a class all quarter long!