December 11, 2021
Delivered via Email
Letter to the St. Mary’s High School Community
Dear Students, Families, School Staff and school community members from St. Mary’s High School,
This letter is to inform you that there are now 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in your school population. Each case of COVID-19 was interviewed by Grey Bruce Public Health. Grey Bruce Public Health declared a school outbreak; this means that there are two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in children/students and/or staff or other visitors, with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school.
At this time, the school will close to in person learning and move to virtual learning out of an abundance of caution related to cohort dismissals, not due to Public Health direction or requirements. We commend the School Board on being proactive and having alterative plans for virtual learning. Families and students will receive notification directly from the school regarding the move virtual learning.
The individual(s) with COVID-19 have been contacted directly by our COVID-19 Case and Contact Management Team. We are working with the individuals and the school, along with the school board and bus company and have identified all others, both in and out of the school environment, who may have been exposed and have determined their risk level. Any cohorts that have been identified as contacts to the case(s) have been excluded from school at this time.
Testing Strategy for Those Directed by Public Health:
We ask that ALL students and staff are tested for COVID as soon as possible at local assessment centres. We are currently working with the area assessment centres to increase the appointments for swabbing if possible. Please monitor your emails or the local news media for updates on testing clinics this week.
- Assessment Centres:
- Grey Bruce Health Services
- Owen Sound;
- Southampton;
- Lion’s Head
- Hanover Assessment Centre
- Kincardine Assessment Centre
- Grey Bruce Health Services
Grey Bruce Health Unit is conducting a drive thru testing clinic for students and staff and other high risk contacts as directed by Public Health.
These clinic will be held:
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (December 13, 14, 15)
- 11:00am-3:00pm in the GBHU parking lot 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound, N4K 0A5
The best way to protect yourself, your family and our community from COVID-19 is to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines for 5 to 11 year olds are now available. Please use this link to find a vaccine clinic in Grey Bruce. Weekly_Vaccine_Schedule (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact a member of the School Health Team.
Sincerely,