The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit has been notified of the region’s first confirmed case of Covid-19 related to a school, specifically a staff member at Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia.
The Health Unit reports that there are no high-risk contacts in the case.
The teacher, who is asymptomatic and in self-isolation, was wearing PPE and keeping distance.
“We are in contact with the individual and from the information gathered so far all indications are that the virus was contracted in the community, and not in school,” said SMDHU’s medical officer of health Dr. Charles Gardner.
“With this knowledge, all indications are that students and other school staff would not be considered at higher risk than the general public, and will not need to be tested or quarantined,” Dr. Gardner added. “The precautionary protocols developed in consultation with the province, the health unit and school boards appear to have succeeded in keeping the school community safe.”
Gardner says the Health Unit is working closely with all local schools and school boards to reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible.
He urges families to do their part too.