On Saturday evening the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division notified the public that a case of COVID-19 had been connected to two schools in the division. These schools are Riverside Public School in Prince Albert and W.P. Sandin Public School in Shellbrook.
This was the second case reported at WP Sandin this week and there were four other schools in the division with cases reported earlier this week.
At W.P Sandin the staff and students associated with the affected Grade 12 classes will extend their self-isolation until midnight June 4. The rest of WP Sandin will be moving from online learning (Level 4) at midnight on May 31.
At Riverside the staff and students associated with one Grade 5 classroom will be required to self-isolate. Depending on their specific exposure risk, the dates of return range from midnight June 1 to June 10.
The division did not report whether the cases were school acquired or transmitted.
The division was informed recently of the positive COVID-19 test results and communication is being shared with the classrooms/cohorts, the connected staff, as well as with the school communities.
The learning program will continue remotely only for those students and staff affected while in-person learning will continue for the rest of the school.
As is the circumstance in all reports of COVID-19 in the division due to privacy concerns, further details of the case will not be shared.
They added that schools remain safe places to learn. Both the Local Medical Health Officer and the provincial Chief Medical Health officer continue to indicate that because of the protocols in place, schools are safe and are not significant source of transmission.
The division explained that we all share responsibility to minimize the risk of COVID transmission.
“The division deeply appreciates the support that students, parents and community members have demonstrated.”
The SHA’s local public health team continues to provide expert advice and strong support for our dedicated staff as we manage the pandemic in our communities.
“The division is thankful to have such a cohesive team of administration and staff supported by our partners in Health.”
