February 12th, 2021
A probable case of a variant of concern (VOC) has been identified in a student at W.T. Townshend Public School. An outbreak has not been declared at this time as it’s one case in the dismissed cohort. Public Health has been clear that this is not an unexpected occurrence as variants are known to be spreading across Ontario. Additionally, there has been a very significant increase in the screening for variants of concern (VOC) being undertaken by the provincial laboratory system.
WRDSB and Public Health are working closely and are able to confirm the following information:
- Public Health has identified a probable case of a variant of concern in a student at W.T. Townshend Public School. In this case, the student is a confirmed COVID-19 positive case that is a close contact of a case that has screened positive for a VOC. As a result public health is treating this case as a probable VOC case.
- The cohort has been dismissed and no further cohorts need to be dismissed at this time.
- Public health has initiated case and contact management for this cohort.
- Communication with parents of children in this cohort has been prioritized and is underway.
- An outbreak has not been declared at this time and Public Health will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Public Health has confirmed that the WRDSB’s current health and safety measures including masking, social distancing, and sanitizing provide the appropriate layers of protection against the COVID-19 variants of concern.
The well-being of students, staff, and families in our community remains our highest priority during this pandemic and we will continue to work closely with Public Health and follow their direction and guidance.
