Camp with lax virus measures sees outbreak

More than 80 teens and adult staff have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a summer camp in central Illinois that did not require masks indoors or vaccination status.

Of the 85 people infected, about 70% of the cases were in those not vaccinated, according to a press release from the Illinois Department of Health on Monday.

“The perceived risk to children may seem small, but even a mild case of COVID-19 can cause long-term health issues,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in the release.

CNN reported that the Crossing Camp in Schuyler County was held in mid-June and left one unvaccinated teen needing hospitalization after contracting the virus.

The IDPH said it was aware of only a handful of teens and staffers who received the vaccine, though everyone at the camp was eligible.

Some of the attendees also attended a nearby conference that resulted in 11 additional cases, the IDPH reported.

Crossing Camp said on its website that it was postponing the 4th and 5th grade camp until August.