A Cochrane school is closed for a COVID-19 investigation.
Today, 339 students at École catholique Nouveau-Regard are at home and staff is preparing for virtual learning tomorrow, according to Conseil scolaire catholique de districte des Grandes Rivieres (CSCDGR) director of communication Richard Loiselle.
There is one probable case of the virus at the school and two people are under investigation.
"With the latest developments it has been determined — out of an abundance of caution, and in consultation with the PHU (Porcupine Health Unit) — to close the school for one day, while the school continues to work with the PHU to investigate the situation and ensure all follow-up is completed and steps in place to ensure a safe return to school," he wrote in an email.
He said the health unit is doing contact tracing, and a deep environment cleaning is being done at the school. There will also be a continued assessment of the measures and how they can be enhanced.
At this time, the health unit is not declaring an outbreak at the school.
"An outbreak is declared in a school when two or more individuals are positive and there is a link between the cases," said medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton in an email.
"In collaboration with the school board, the decision for a short term closure was made in order to allow for a comprehensive investigation and follow up of the situation."
The contacts of the probable case have been identified and contacted by the health unit.
"At this time, we continue to investigate the case situation and have identified persons under investigation. It is a term used by public health when assessing a person who may have been exposed to the virus and has symptoms but has not yet been confirmed as a case. The critical steps of contact tracing and investigation to limit any potential spread and protect both the school and community remain ongoing," she said.
While other schools in the health unit region have reported COVID-19 cases in students or staff, this is the first time a school has been closed because of the virus.
The main message for everyone, said Loiselle, is to "continue careful monitoring and screening for symptoms — stay home if any, even mild, call the PHU, get tested."
Yesterday, the Porcupine Health Unit reported a probable case of the virus in the area of Matheson, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls. The person is in self-isolation.
The health unit has not reported any new cases today.
