Grande Prairie, AB – Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) has been advised of a case of COVID-19 at Harry Balfour School (HBS). The individual last attended the school on Wednesday, February 24. School administration communicated the information to families and staff on Friday, March 5 after learning about the positive test result and receiving direction from AHS.
This case is in addition to the two single cases reported in February, who attended the school on February 4 and 19.
Out of respect for the individual, and in accordance with AHS guidelines, no further information will be shared about this case. PWPSD and HBS wish the individual a safe and speedy recovery, and will continue to work closely with AHS to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students and staff.
School remains open for in-person learning, close contacts advised to isolate
On Friday, March 5, school administration provided the following information to all families and staff members:
- The plans set in place to create zones and cohorts at HBS have worked as planned, and helped in the successful completion of contact tracing with AHS.
- The identified close contacts must isolate at home until Thursday, March 11.
- Remote learning opportunities will be provided to isolating students.
- AHS is expected to provide all close contacts with further direction on testing and isolation instructions.
- With the school currently categorized as ‘on alert’, any close contacts who develop symptoms and need to book a COVID-19 test should quote reference number “2021-EI-2063” when booking a test online or by calling 811.
- Students and staff not identified as close contacts do not need to isolate and can return to school on Monday, March 8 following the Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention. However, Grade 7 students already participating in remote learning will return to school on Thursday, March 11, as planned.
- The school has been disinfected.
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