The Dalles High School announced Tuesday it is pausing its athletic program this week due to an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases. In a statement issued on its various media platforms, school officials said it will continue monitoring the health of its student-athletes, with the goal for all winter athletic programs returning to practice and game action as early as Monday. The wrestling, ski, and swim teams will continue to practice, but the school says they could be paused if needed. The school indicated it will release new information as it becomes available. The pause eliminated home boys’ basketball games with Aloha Tuesday night and Hood River Valley Friday night, and a girls basketball game at home with Hood River Valley on Monday.