The Health Unit says someone from the Silver Birches Elementary School community has tested positive for COVID-19.
"The individual was at school during their infectious period," says a news release. "The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has worked closely with the school and Near North District School Board to ensure all high-risk contacts were contacted and are aware they are required to self-isolate for a 14-day period. The current situation does not meet the criteria to declare an outbreak."
Near North District School Board says the health unit has dismissed the affected cohort.
"In consultation with the health unit, the decision has been made to keep the school open, as the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and students is very low at this time," says a Board letter to parents.
"All students and staff who are not directly contacted by the health unit have been determined to have had a low-risk exposure to the case of COVID-19."
A low-risk exposure includes transient interactions such as walking by a person with COVID-19, or briefly being in the same room with a person who has COVID-19.
Custodial staff have conducted an enhanced cleaning of the school ensuring all staff and student areas were thoroughly disinfected.
Shannon Mantha, Executive Director of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer spoke at a news briefing this morning.
"Late yesterday afternoon we received confirmation that a member of the silver birches public school community tested positive for COVID-19. The health unit is working closely with Near North District School Board and I am pleased to say that all high risk contacts have been notified and they are all aware they are required to self-isolate for the next 14 days.
"We have not declared an outbreak at the school as there is only one confirmed case."
