A member of the Silver Star Elementary School community has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a letter to parents sent Saturday, Nov. 28, principal Jacqueline Taylor said the member is “self-isolating at home with support from local public health teams.”
The letter does not disclose if it was a student, family member or teacher that tested positive for privacy purposes.
“We are supporting Interior Health Authority as they undertake contact tracing to determine if any other members of our school community were in contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, and if any additional steps are required,” Taylor said.
In a follow-up letter sent by Taylor on Sunday, Nov. 29, Interior Health has asked a Grade 5/6 class at the school to self-isolate until end of day Tuesday, Dec 8. It is safe for all other students to attend Silver Star School.
Interior Health performs contact tracing and will contact individuals who may have come into contact with the person, if any are determined, directly. Only the health authority can determine who is a close contact and will inform those affected to self-isolate.
If you are contacted by the health authority, please follow the advice provided. If you are not contacted, it has been determined your child is not at risk of developing COVID-19, the authority said.
Taylor said to ensure personal privacy rights are maintained, the school will not be providing additional details.
“The safety and well-being of our students, families and staff remain our highest priority,” she said. “Please be reassured that our school will continue to implement the strict protocols and procedures we have in place so that children can continue to attend school as safely as possible.”
Students should continue to come to school while contact tracing is underway. As a reminder, please continue daily health checks to monitor your child for illness.
The school will continue to work closely with Interior Health to provide ongoing communication as required.
If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, please call 811.
This is Vernon’s third school exposure after classes resumed in fall. An individual of the Clarence Fulton Secondary School community tested positive for COVID-19 in October.
Thirty-five close contacts were asked to self-isolate after that case was identified.
Last month, an individual apart of the Mission Hill Elementary School community tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 12.
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roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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