Covid Communication for Parents and Guardians

Posted October 23, 2020

October 23 2020

Dear Willow Road P.S.Community, 

As you may be aware, Public Health has notified us that an individual in our school has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Public Health has directed one class to self-isolate, as part of its established infection prevention and control measures. 

Our building is safe and remains open to staff and students. Custodial staff have done a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the school, as part of our enhanced cleaning protocol. 

Please remain vigilant in daily self-monitoring practices and continue to remind your child about the need for hand washing and distancing. 

The letter we shared with all families from Public Health on October 23 explains what the Health Unit and Willow Road School are doing to prevent further spread of the virus in the school and the community. Please see a copy of the letter below. 

Dear Parent/Guardian, 

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that an individual from Willow Road Public School has tested positive for COVID-19. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) and the school/bus are taking all necessary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus both in the school and in the community.

What will Public Health do?

  • Public Health will contact the individual(s) who tested positive for COVID-19 and the school/bus.
  • Public Health will contact all individuals (including students and staff) who are determined to be a high-risk contact of the individual(s) who tested positive.

– This includes individuals who were in close contact (e.g., classmates, bus riders within 2m) to the confirmed case, starting 48 hours before symptoms began (or if the confirmed case had no symptoms, starting 48 hours before the individual tested positive).

  • Staff/students who are not contacted by Public Health, are not considered a high-risk contact. They should continue to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 daily, practice hand hygiene, wear a face covering, and practice physical distancing.

What will the school and/or bus company do?

  • The school/bus will provide Public Health with information about who the individual was in close contact with while at school (including before and after school care) and on the school bus.*
  • The school/bus will clean and disinfect all areas in the school/bus where the individual may have been.
  • The school/bus will work with Public Health to develop a plan to protect all students and staff, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What should you do?

  • Continue to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 using the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening tool daily.
  • Staff or students who develop symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately isolate from others and follow the guidance in the screening tool.
  • If you receive a call from Public Health, follow the directions provided.

How do you get more information?

Visit the school website for more information. Also visit WDGPH website wdgpublichealth.ca or call WDGPH COVID-19 Call Centre at 1-800-265-7293, ext. 7006.

*Note: Personal health information may be provided to schools only for the purpose of contact tracing. The name of the individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will not be disclosed publicly to parents, staff or other students unless it is deemed necessary by Public Health, or unless given permission to do so by the individual, or their parent or guardian.

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