Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health for Chatham-Kent, has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Winston Churchill Public School in Chatham.
“This is the first school outbreak in Chatham-Kent,” CK Public Health officials said in a media release.
“An outbreak in a school is defined as two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 within a school community, where transmission has been confirmed to have occurred within the school.”
Lambton-Kent District School Board officials say three students at the school have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“Chatham-Kent Public Health is working closely with the school community and is contacting any individuals (students and staff) who may have been in potential contact with the virus,” public school board officials said on the Winston Churchill Public School website.
“At this time, Public Health does not feel there is any impact to the school and is not dismissing any additional students or staff.”
Public health officials have notified the school community, including students, staff, parents and guardians.
“All close contacts were directed to isolate and were tested,” CK Public Health officials say.
“If you have not been contacted by CK Public Health, no testing is required at this time.”
The school will remain open, CK Public Health officials added.
School board officials say the health and safety of students and staff are the top priorities for the LKDSB.
“The LKDSB takes all probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 seriously and follows the directions of Public Health regarding communication of confirmed cases,” school board officials say.
“LKDSB also ensures all necessary health and safety protocols, such as closure of classrooms and deep cleaning, are implemented.
School board officials added: “Families are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the health and safety protocols in place to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, including completing the daily school screening assessment tool. Together, we will continue to support a safe operation of schools.”
Public health officials are encouraging people to continue to follow public health advice to keep COVID-19 controlled in the community:
– Only travel for essential purposes
– Physically distance two metres from others
– Wear a mask
– Wash your hands or use 70% alcohol hand sanitizer frequently
– And stay home if you are unwell.
To learn more about staying safe while at school, visit CK Public Health’s website:
https://ckphu.com/schoolscovid/
