3 new school COVID-19 cases in Brantford and Waterdown
Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School in Waterdown is reporting a positive case in a staff member
Two schools in Brantford and a Catholic elementary school in Waterdown have COVID-19 cases.
Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School on Centre Road in Waterdown is reporting a positive case in a staff member.
Marnie Jadon, spokesperson for Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, told CBC News the employee has been self-isolating since Sept. 8, after a close contact tested positive for COVID-19.
"While the staff member initially tested negative, a subsequent test has come back positive. The individual will remain in self-isolation until notified by public health that it is safe to return to work," Jadon wrote.
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton's medical officer of health, said there were no high risk or close contacts at the school in this case.
"That's great from that perspective, so parents and students should be reassured," she said.
A close contact includes any students or staff in this individual's class or cohort, but may also include others.
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Richardson said local school boards have done "a heck of a lot of work" to keep everyone safe.
"We're all very happy that we've got just a few cases associated with schools and we want to see that continue ... but this is going to be something we're going to follow for quite some time."
COVID-19 in two Brantford schools
Onondaga-Brant Public School in Brantford near Colborne Street East, part of the Grand Erie District School Board, said it was informed Tuesday night that an individual tested positive for the virus.
"This individual has been directed by the health unit to self-isolate for 14 days, along with any family members who reside in the same household," reads a notice to families on Wednesday.
"Last night, we contacted the students and staff identified by the Brant County Health Unit as close contacts at this point to the COVID-19 case. We asked these individuals to remain at home today."
The board says the Brant County Health Unit will be in direct contact with these individuals to complete contact tracing. It will also offer next steps to those contacted.
The school remains open.
INTERACTIVE | Use this map to find COVID-19 cases in local schools
St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School, on Wood Street near King George Road, reports it also received word on Wednesday of an infected individual in the school community.
The notice, from Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, offered a similar sentiment to the Onondaga-Brant note.
"If you or your child IS not contacted by the applicable Health Unit, they have not been considered a close contact," reads the letter to St. Pius X families.
The school remains open.
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