HIGH SCHOOL LOCKDOWN

Staff members test positive

Fellowes High School in Pembroke has been ordered to close after three positive COVID-19 cases among school staff.

The order was made by Dr. Robert Cushman, acting medical officer of health for the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU), shortly after a third case was confirmed on Wednesday that was linked to two previous cases, according to a note published on the Renfrew County District School Board's Facebook page.

The closure, effective immediately, will continue until further notice. The school will reopen only with public health approval. An outbreak was declared at the school Tuesday after the first two cases were linked.

It's the first outbreak reported in the province since students began to return to classes and the first school to be shut down due to COVID-19.

Students will continue their learning online and were asked to check their district email for information and direction from their teachers.

“The well-being and safety of our students and staff is top priority during this pandemic period and the district will continue to support public health staff in any way we can as they continue to investigate,” the note reads.

It adds: “If you are a staff member or a student who has been identified as a high- or low-risk contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, public health staff will contact you directly. If you have not been contacted, you are not considered to be at risk of having been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID -19.

“Regardless of whether you feel sick, students and parents are reminded to complete a self-assessment every morning prior to departing for work and school. If you feel sick or have any symptoms, stay home and call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RCVTAC) or your family physician/nurse practitioner to determine next steps.” Postmedia News