COVID-19 Outbreak Declared at Assumption College School

(February 25, 2021) Brantford, Ont. – This evening, 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 fifth COVID-19 case connected to the school came this evening. The first case was identified on February 19, 2021. 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.

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 stay home and self-isolate. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the Brant County Health Unit will be in direct contact via email with these individuals as they work through their contact tracing. The health unit will provide further direction and next steps to these individuals.

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.

“All Assumption College School students and staff are asked to monitor their health,” said Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “As we would advise any member of our community, if symptoms consistent with COVID-19 develop, please isolate immediately and seek assessment for testing.”

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 tomorrow.

“As this pandemic continues, we remind families that our focus is on the health and safety of our students and staff,” said Mike McDonald, Director of Education. “We continue to follow the direction of public health as well as our safety and cleaning protocols that are in place."

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.

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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
(C) 519-732-5282    (E) taustin@bhncdsb.ca