Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) has declared an outbreak in St. Charles College after a third individual tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
In a press release that was issued during the evening on Jan. 26, PHSD says its working closely with the school and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board to monitor the outbreak, further limit the spread of infection, and ensure ongoing measures are maintained to protect students and employees.
Sudbury.com reported the first two cases at St. Charles College on Jan. 25 and it was not classified as an outbreak at the time.
"The individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently self-isolating and being monitored by Public Health Sudbury & Districts while the investigation continues," The Sudbury Catholic School Board said in a letter issued to parents.
Individuals in the following cohorts are dismissed:
- Grade F7/8 class
- Grade 11 instrumental music class AMU3M and AMU4M
- Grade 11 chemistry class SCH3U
- Grade 12 class IDP3O/4U
To date, affected buses include L-003 (secondary, morning bus) and L-364 (secondary, afternoon bus).
If your child is dismissed from school as part of this situation, your child must self-isolate immediately until and including:
Grade F7/8 class: February 3
Test as soon as possible if your child has COVID-19 symptom
Test between January 25-27, 2021, if asymptomatic
Grade 11 instrumental music class AMU3M and AMU4M: February 4
Test as soon as possible if your child has COVID-19 symptom
Test between January 26-28, 2021, if asymptomatic
Grade 11 chemistry class SCH3U: February 4
Test as soon as possible if your child has COVID-19 symptom
Test between January 26-28, 2021, if asymptomatic
Grade 12 class IDP3O/4U: February 5
Test as soon as possible if your child has COVID-19 symptom
Test between January 27-29, 2021, if asymptomatic
If the test is negative, retesting should occur if symptoms develop.
In general, if your child is not dismissed from school as part of this outbreak, the following applies:
Simply passing by an infected person in the hallway is not considered close contact, and the risk of spreading the virus this way is extremely low.
Continue to use the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Children in School and Child Care to monitor your child for symptoms and follow the direction provided.
"It is understandable that this situation may make caregivers anxious and some will choose to keep their child at home as a precaution. Please advise the school if you choose to do this so that we may make arrangements for continued learning when possible."
In accordance with provincial guidance, an outbreak in a school setting is declared when two or more laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 are linked and occur within 14 days of each other, and at least one case could have acquired their infection in the school. Parents and caregivers are being provided notice of the outbreak and will receive public health guidance.
Individuals who are identified as close contacts of a case in a school setting will be directly contacted by Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Public Health will call these parents or guardians, as well as employees, to provide direction.
Parents and guardians of students can visit the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s website for information: www.sudburycatholicschools.ca
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Continue to screen yourself for symptoms and practise COVID-safe behaviours.
For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).