Clarification about Public Health Decisions
We’ve had some questions about why JDH is still open when we are in an ‘outbreak’ situation, and hope the following information helps. An outbreak in a school is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in a school, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school. While we have had several cases, only 2 are part of the ‘outbreak.’
Public Health is responsible for determining if an outbreak in a school exists, managing the outbreak in collaboration with the school, and determining when the outbreak can be declared over.
Where Public Health determines there was a transmission risk to others in the school, they perform a risk assessment for any contacts. All students and staff determined to be at high risk of exposure are directed to isolate and are recommended to be tested within their isolation period. Public Health determines which cohorts should self-isolate (pivot to remote learning) or whether a partial or full school closure is necessary due to the scope of the outbreak. We have remained open, and our Public Health nurse has commended our staff for their ongoing adherence to safety guidelines.
If parents have any COVID-19 questions or concerns, they are invited to call WDGPH’s COVID-19 Call Centre at 519-822-2715 ext. 7006 or visit their website at wdgpublichealth.ca.
Categories: School News