THUNDER BAY - A positive case of COVID-19 has been detected in an individual associated with St. Martin Elementary School but public health officials say the risk of exposure to the school community is low.
In a letter sent to families of students at the school on Wednesday, the health unit said an individual associated with the school has tested positive and is at home self-isolating.
“Although the individual with COVID-19 was at school during the time they were infectious, the risk that the virus could have spread in the school setting is deemed to be low at this time,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, medical officer of health with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit in a letter to the school community.
“Individuals who are considered ‘low risk contacts’ of the individual with COVID-19 will receive a letter today from public health to provide guidance and instructions. If you don’t receive the letter, you or your child would not be considered at elevated risk because of this situation.”
Those who are considered a low-risk contact, including staff and students, will be permitted to attend school in-person.
“TBDHU, St. Martin Elementary School and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board will continue to work together and monitor the situation for the next two weeks,” DeMille said.
“St. Martin Elementary School, like other schools in the TBDHU, has implemented significant measures to reduce the risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus within the school setting.”
