Outbreak at Innisfil school that infected 22 is 'under control,' but not over, SMDHU says
The COVID-19 outbreak at an Innisfil elementary school has infected 22 individuals and impacted nearly half of the school's classes.
The health unit declared the region's largest school outbreak at Holy Cross Catholic School on Oct. 15.
Days later, a letter sent to parents from the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board stated that it was following the guidance of the health unit, and the school would remain open.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) said there are "many factors involved when considering closing a school."
SMDHU associate medical officer of health, Dr. Colin Lee, added that "at this time, we believe the outbreak is under control and [the school] does not need to be closed."
Lee pointed to the sheer size of the student body as one of those factors for keeping the doors open to in-person learning.
Holy Cross has 650 students and 28 classes.
He noted that, overall, "the transmission of COVID-19 in schools and childcare facilities across Simcoe Muskoka has been low."
The health unit mentioned health measures, such as daily screening, masking, hand sanitizing and disinfection within schools as helping to prevent transmission.
PARENTS REMAIN CONCERNED
Still, parents remain concerned about the situation that the health unit says is "under control" Wednesday.
"It's kind of scary," said parent Patrick Davis. "As parents, you want to know what's going on in the school."
The health unit confirms only a few classrooms are currently affected by the outbreak.
"At this time, only three classrooms are excluded while the rest have been able to return to in-person schooling," Lee said.
At various times over the past two weeks, the health unit requested students and staff in a dozen classrooms get tested for COVID-19.
Lee said most of the positive cases resulted from "transmission in the community, at home, within a class cohort or shared school bus and therefore traceable."
OTHER SCHOOL OUTBREAKS
A recently ended outbreak at a Bradford elementary school infected more than 20 students and impacted several classes.
In that case, the health unit maintained that attending the school was safe with all the protocols in place.
The outbreak was declared over 20 days later.
Along with Holy Cross, three other schools have outbreaks.
Portage View Elementary School has two cases, and Assiskinack Public School has three. Both schools are in Barrie.
Additionally, the health unit declared an outbreak at Monck Public School in Bracebridge on Monday, with two confirmed cases.
DECLARING AN OUTBREAK
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit declares an outbreak at a school when two or more positive cases are lab-confirmed, and the individuals have shared a space or objects.
The cases also have to have occurred within 14 days to support transmission within the school environment.
The health unit may recommend sending the infected students or students within an infected cohort home for 10 days following the last contact with the positive case.
Public health will suggest increased cleaning and limited activities at a school with an outbreak to contain transmission.
Staff and students with no symptoms who are contacts of positive cases will likely be tested for COVID-19.
The health unit determines who is at risk and provides information to only those it deems necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.