Update 8:30 p.m.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has dismissed all students and staff of École secondaire catholique Algonquin after an individual has tested positive for COVID-19.
This dismissal is related to the COVID-19 Variant of Concern and is a cautionary measure to reduce the spread of the virus. All individuals from the 133 bus route and from the grade 9 cohort are considered high-risk and are required to self-isolate immediately. All high-risk individuals will be contacted by the Health Unit over the weekend and will be provided with additional public health guidance.
At this time, the Health Unit has not declared an outbreak and as the investigation progresses, the Health Unit will re-assess the need to keep the school closed. The Health Unit is working with the school and school board to provide guidance to parents, guardians, and staff.
“We are taking every precaution to keep the students and staff safe. We need to stop the spread of COVID-19 Variant of Concern, and if we don’t act now, it could be devastating for the entire school community, and our district,” says Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health.
If you are a parent or guardian of a student at École secondaire catholique Algonquin and have questions, please call the Health Unit’s School Call Centre at 1-800-563-2808.
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Students from Ecole secondaire catholique Algonquin were sent home today after sources tell BayToday a grade nine student at the school tested positive for COVID-19.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit reported five new cases today including one case 18 and under which is still under investigation.
Sources say students were dismissed near the end of the school day and were required to be picked up.
Earlier this week, Sunset Public School was closed due to an individual connected to the outbreak at the Lancelot Apartments that has led to North Bay-Parry Sound continuing in lockdown until at least Feb. 22.
The school, Franco-Nord school board nor the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit have yet to confirm to BayToday.
BayToday will update this story...
