COVID-19 Outbreak Declared at St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School

(December 22, 2020) Norfolk County – Today, the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit declared a COVID-19 outbreak at St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School in Simcoe. 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 second COVID-19 case at St. Joseph’s School came yesterday. The first case was identified on December 8, 2020. 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 along with any family members who reside in the same household.

“We work closely with our local public health units to ensure that they receive information pertaining to individuals they deem possible close contacts,” said Mike McDonald, Director of Education. “We will continue to support our public health partners over the Christmas break in order to assist them in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

The St. Joseph’s outbreak is being closely monitored and reported on by the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit.

-30-

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
(P) 519-756-6505 Ext. 234    (C) 519-732-5282    (E) taustin@bhncdsb.ca