Two cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at WDSS.
“Chatham-Kent Public Health has notified the Lambton Kent District School Board that there are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Wallaceburg District Secondary School community,” public school board officials posted on the WDSS school website on Monday, December 14, 2020.
“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.”
The confirmed cases are students, school board officials say, adding that the school is open.
“Chatham-Kent Public Health is working directly with the school to contact those who have been in close contact and to provide further directions,” school board officials say.
“If you have not been contacted, you have not been in close contact with the 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.”
The school board announced on Friday, December 11, 2020 that there were three probable cases of COVID-19 at the school.
Heather Hughes, public relations officer for the school board, told the Sydenham Current on Friday “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.
We’ll provide more details as they become available.
