NEWRY – Elma Township Public School (ETPS), in conjunction with the Avon Maitland District School Board and Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH), has cancelled all in-person learning at the facility until at least Dec. 6 due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
The decision was made effective Nov. 29, with HPPH reporting on Monday that 14 students are currently affected by the outbreak. The closure has been communicated to all ETPS households in a document circulated by school principal Catherine Lusk.
“HPPH is responsible for following up with any student, school staff, or visitor who has tested positive for COVID-19, and for determining who are high-risk close contacts of a case,” wrote Lusk. “If you/your child has been identified as a high-risk contact, you will have received a letter from HPPH with further guidance.”
Lusk continued that all staff and students – whether or not they were identified as a high-risk contact and regardless if they have symptoms – are advised to get tested for COVID-19.
The school outbreak is the second in the immediate region since the beginning of the 2021-22 year, with Milverton Public School also struck with a number of student cases earlier in the fall. The North Perth Spinrite Child and Family Centre was also declared in active outbreak on Nov. 22, with two reported COVID cases.
“Just like school, we’re monitoring daycares,” said HPPH Director Christina Taylor on Nov. 24. “The numbers are consistent, we are seeing younger children this fall testing positive more for COVID. We’re working with the operator to make sure all measures are in place. It just highlights the importance of those that are eligible for vaccines to take the opportunity to get vaccinated to protect those that can’t be vaccinated just yet.”
As of Nov. 29, HPPH reports 70 active cases in the region, with North Perth accounting for over half that total with 39. Perth East reports seven active cases, Howick Township has four and Stratford has five.
