Chatham-Kent Public Health notified the Lambton Kent District School Board on December 11, 2020 that there are three probable cases of COVID-19 in the Wallaceburg District Secondary School community.
“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 WDSS website.
The school is open to students, school board officials added.
“Chatham-Kent Public Health will only call close contacts of probable or confirmed cases,” school board officials say.
“If you have not been contacted, you have not been in close contact with the probable or confirmed case. As requested prior to the start of the school year, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms of COVID-19. If your child is ill, please keep them at home and call your health care provider or local health unit.”
Heather Hughes, public relations officer for the school board, told the Sydenham Current “out an abundance of caution” there were 58 students dismissed to quarantine as per the direction of Chatham-Kent Public Health.
“The number may adjust based on Public Health’s investigation and contact tracing process,” Hughes said in an email.
“Due to privacy considerations, no more information can be provided.”
Hughes added: “All teachers have been asked to develop an online presence to facilitate student learning. Any students who are dismissed by Public Health to quarantine will have the opportunity to continue their learning remotely.”
The health and well-being of students and staff are the top priorities for the LKDSB and the LKDSB continues to follow the direction of Public Health, Hughes said.
“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,” Hughes said.
“Together, we will continue to support a safe operation of schools.”
To view a letter sent home to parents and guardians from the WDSS school community, click here.
School board officials say there is one confirmed case at Tilbury District High School, Chatham-Kent Secondary School, Winston Churchill Public School and three positive cases at Queen Elizabeth II Public School in Chatham.
There is not currently any active school outbreaks, according to the CK Public Health.
The Lambton Kent District School Board follows the direction of Chatham-Kent and Lambton Public Health regarding the communication of confirmed COVID-19 cases, school board officials say.
