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COVID-19 outbreak at Cold Lake school

Students and staff at Assumption Jr./Sr. High School switched to online learning after a number of COVID-19 cases were linked to the school

COLD LAKE – An outbreak has been declared at Assumption Jr./Sr. High School in Cold Lake.

Parents were notified on Feb. 13 that the school would be switching to online learning starting Feb. 16, with students staying home until Feb. 24.  

According to principal Chantel Axani-Rawlake, the decision was made "in response to recent confirmed COVID-19 cases and in the interest of student and staffing safety."

“Students and staff will return to in-person learning on Thursday, Feb. 25,” she said in a statement to LakelandToday. “Custodial staff has been thoroughly sanitizing and disinfecting since Thursday, Feb. 11, and staff and students can feel confident that they will return to a safe environment.”  

The school is considered an outbreak by Alberta Health Services, which means there are between five and nine cases linked to the school.  

Amanda Wildman, communications officer for Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD), confirmed these are the first COVID-19 cases linked to any of their schools since students returned to the classroom after the Christmas holidays.  

“I think they made the right decision here for everyone’s best interest,” Wildman said about the school switching to online learning for the time being.  

Axani-Rawlake noted she was proud of how flexible and resilient students and staff have been, as they return to online learning.  

“One thing that I do know is that we can do this and do it now. I want to thank our families for being resilient, patient, and flexible as we’re again asked to adjust and pivot.”  

Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle

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