A second COVID-19 case with links to the middle school has been confirmed this afternoon by school and school division officials
"We continue to work closely with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students and staff," re-states the most recent update from the school division.
School officials are again saying that any staff member or student who may have been in contact with the latest case has been notified.
With two active cases now reported, the province considers the school to be the site of an outbreak. Extra measures over and above enhanced cleaning are not mandated, however, until more than five active cases take place.
Northern Lights School Division officials are saying some students and staff at Lac La Biche's Aurora Middle School are isolating after "an individual connected to Aurora Middle School" has been diagnosed with COVID 19.
NLPS assistant superintendent Bill Dredger says personal details of the infected person will not be released — but anyone who has been in contact with the person has been notified.
"Out of respect for this individual and in accordance with AHS guidelines, we cannot disclose personal details," Dredger noted in a message to parents and community members Tuesday night. "Students and staff who were considered to be in close contact with the individual have been directed to stay home and await further direction from Alberta Health Services."
Calls to possible contacts
Parents who have not received calls can send their children to the school.
"Aurora Middle School remains open for in-person learning with the current protocols that are in place for students and staff," says Dredger, explaining that cleaning protocols will be intensified at the school. "Our custodians will be conducting enhanced cleaning protocols of the school, focusing on areas where the individual was present, along with our continued attention on high touch areas and surfaces throughout the school."
School division officials remind all parents and guardians of students to monitor children for any signs or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
Understanding that news of the school's first COVID could be "upsetting" for residents and students, division officials urge anyone looking for answers to contact the COVID-19 information for young kids and students on the AHS website. Information is also available on the NLPS website. Further help can be found at the province's 24-7 Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.
As they have done through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dredger says division officials will continue to update information as it becomes available.
At the time of the news from Aurora, the Lac La Biche community sits at 13 active cases of the COVID-19 virus. The most recent tally of active cases for the region — although it does include the new case associated to the school — is one less than the previous day's total.
Aurora Middle School has approximately 350 students in Grades 4-8. According to the school's website, the school has 35 staff members.
