Case of COVID-19 confirmed at Holy Cross Secondary School

A staff member at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the school. As a result, the school says, two class cohorts are being asked to remain home to isolate.

“KFL&A Public Health is working with the school to identify cohorts of students and staff who may have been in close contact with the COVID-19 positive person at school or during school transportation, if applicable,” said a letter to parents and guardians of students at the school.

The school said that COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VOC) require additional caution, as they can spread more easily.

“We recognize that receiving this information may be stressful and we want to ensure you understand the process going forward. KFL&A Public Health and the school are taking all necessary steps to prevent further spread of the virus both in the school and the community,” the letter said.

Parents and guardians of students are being asked to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and screen their student daily, as most cases of COVID-19 are acquired in the home setting. “If anyone in your household has or develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must self-isolate and book an appointment at an assessment centre for testing as soon as possible,” said the school in the letter to parents. In the case of a person who displays COVID-19 symptoms,it is required that all household members isolate until the person with symptoms receives a negative COVID-19 test result or an alternative diagnosis from a health care professional. 

“If your student has symptoms of COVID-19 and they are being tested, please ask the registration person to use investigation #2241-2021-36835,” parents and guardians were advised. “It is not necessary to have your student tested at this time if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Testing now may lead to unnecessary or repeat testing,” the letter said.

“KFL&A Public Health will send more messaging after additional investigation has been done,” the letter continued. “Thank you for your patience as we investigate cases to minimize risk to the school and community.”