68 students, eight staff in quarantine after two positive COVID-19 cases at WDSS

The Lambton-Kent District School Board has provided an update, after two positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed at Wallaceburg District Secondary School on Monday.

“Chatham-Kent Public Health notified Lambton Kent District School Board on December 14, 2020 that there are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Wallaceburg District Secondary School community,” Heather Hughes, public relations officer for the school board, told the Sydenham Current on Tuesday, December 15.

“Out of an abundance of caution, 68 students and eight staff members have been dismissed to quarantine as per the direction of Chatham-Kent Public Health. These are the most current numbers, based on Public Health’s investigation and contact tracing process.”

The school board says the two cases at WDSS are students.

Hughes added: “Due to privacy considerations, no more information can be provided. 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. Please note… the school is open.”

Hughes said 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,” she said.

“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. 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.”

Hughes added that a letter from Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health for Chatham-Kent, has been posted on the school website.

“For more information, please contact Chatham-Kent Public Health,” Hughes said.

Chatham-Kent Public Health notified the school board on December 11, 2020 that there were three probable cases of COVID-19 in the WDSS school community.

As of Tuesday morning, the school board says there are also two positive cases at Queen Elizabeth II Public School in Chatham, one at Chatham-Kent Secondary School, one at Winston Churchill Public School

However, there are not 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.

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