Mayor Keith Kazmark, at the Mar. 17, Council meeting spoke about the one-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.  In Woodland Park, there have been 1,384 positive cases reported.  The mayor noted that the previous weekend, we lost another resident to COVID-19, bringing the borough's total COVID-related deaths to 26.

From March 8 to 15, there were 18 new cases reported.  Unfortunately, 10 of those cases were school-age children and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michele Pillari made the decision to close all buildings, until April 26.  "This is a higher than normal rate of youth positives that is disproportionate to what we have seen overall in the last year," Mayor Kazmark noted.  "The school calendar did not help, as following the two-week quarantine time, there would be a three-and-a-half-day week before spring break week.  Based upon the data seen following the fall and winter holiday breaks, the decision is prudent to keep schools closed for two weeks past spring break as families may be traveling and having holiday gatherings."

"The County Health Department, whom the Borough contracts with, and the school district administration realize the challenging impact these decisions have on families. However, officials will continue to be diligent in protecting the students, faculty, and staff in our schools," Mayor Kazmark added. "That remains priority one."

In addition, due to a positive COVID-19 case, employees of the Muncipal Building have been working exclusively remotely this week. The building is scheduled to reopen, for employees only, on Monday.  Employees remain available to assist residents during regular business hours, via phone and email.  All government functions and services continue to be provided.