COVID-19 Outbreak Declared at Assumption College School
Brantford, Ont. – Today, the Brant County Health Unit declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Assumption College School in Brantford. As outlined in the Ministry of Education’s Operational Guidance, an outbreak is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in students and/or staff in a school with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school.
News of the second COVID-19 case at Assumption College School came today. Understandably, for privacy reasons, the identity of the individuals who tested positive will not be disclosed. These individuals have been directed by the health unit to self-isolate for 14 days, along with any family members who reside in the same household.
If the Health Unit identifies that at least one case associated with this outbreak has screened positive for a variant of concern (VOC) we will post that information, when it is shared with us, on the COVID-19 Reporting by Location webpage (http://www.bhncdsb.ca/page/covid-19-reporting-location). Please note that VOC screening results take 3-4 days after the positive test result is received. Further information about variants of concern can be found at www.bchu.org.
Upon receiving the information, the school contacted the students and staff initially identified by the Brant County Health Unit as close contacts. These individuals were asked to go home and self-isolate. During the next 12-48 hours, the Brant County Health Unit will be in contact these individuals and will provide further direction and next steps.
A close contact includes any students or staff in the impacted classes/cohorts but may also include others. The Board provided the health unit with class lists and transportation information. If additional students or staff are impacted, the Brant County Health Unit will advise as soon as possible.
Assumption College School remains open for those not required to self-isolate. Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board custodians have disinfected the impacted rooms and will continue their heightened cleaning protocol overnight before students and staff returned for in-class instruction this morning.
Assumption College School staff will work with students and families to ensure learning continues for those required to self-isolate.
The Assumption College School outbreak will be closely monitored and reported on by the Brant County Health Unit. The individuals who tested positive as well as all close contacts must follow the direction of the health unit and be able to pass the COVID-19 School Screening Tool before returning to school.
-30-
For more information about this media release or the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board contact:
Tracey Austin | Manager of Communications and Community Relations
(P) 519-756-6505 Ext. 234 (C) 519-732-5282 (E) taustin@bhncdsb.ca
