VOC being investigated at Winston Churchill Public School, several other LDSB classes cleared
A student case of COVID-19 at Winston Churchill Public School is being investigated as a Variant of Concern (VOC), meaning that this strain of virus could spread more easily. This student’s class cohort will continue to isolate as the investigation continues, according to the Limestone District School Board (LDSB). The student tested positive for COVID-19 on March 13, 2021.
The affected class cohort was initially dismissed on Mar. 11, 2021, and all students have been isolating at home and following directives from Public Health, according to LDSB.
A previously dismissed class cohort identified as contacts of a contact of a positive COVID-19 VOC has been cleared to return to school next week as Public Health has determined there is no further risk to that cohort. Those students may return to school on Monday, Mar. 15, 2021 provided they pass daily COVID-19 screening.
At this time, the school remains open. The school and board say they are working with KFL&A Public Health to identify cohorts of students, staff and others who may have been in close contact with the COVID-19 positive student at school or during school transportation. An additional bus cohort related to Winston Churchill PS was directed to self-isolate March 13, 2021 pending further investigation.
The school board says that the school will clean and disinfect all areas where the individual may have been, and will work with KFL&A Public Health to develop a plan to protect all members of the school community to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In the meantime, KFL&A Public Health has cleared another class cohort at Sir John A. Macdonald Public School to return to school this coming week as there is no risk to students following further investigation. This is the final cohort to be cleared at Sir John A. Macdonald PS. Eight class cohorts were originally dismissed by Public Health on Mar. 11, 2021 as a precaution following the identification of contacts of a positive COVID-19 case that is known to have a Variant of Concern, or VOC.
Public Health previously cleared three class cohorts from Marysville Public School, Module Vanier and Polson Park Public School on Mar. 12, 2021. Three more class cohorts, two from Sir John A. Macdonald PS, and one from Winston Churchill Public School, were cleared on Mar. 13, 2021, according to LDSB. These seven class cohorts will also be permitted to return to school on Monday, Mar. 15, 2021 provided they pass daily COVID-19 screening.