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Outbreak declared at Bashaw School with second confirmed case

Grades 7 to 12 classes to start online learning Nov. 30
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After Bashaw School was alerted to a second positive case of COVID-19 within the school community on Nov. 21, an outbreak was declared at the school by the Medical Officer of Health.

“Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at your school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period,” reads the notification letter from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to staff, students and visitors of the school, dated Nov. 21.

The school was also quick to respond, sending out a letter to families on the same day.

In the letter to families, signed by principal Richard Cowan and assistant principal Candace Hodder, the school stated the second case does not appear to be related to the first case that was identified on Nov. 15., but AHS contact tracing will determine that for certain.

READ MORE: Bashaw School has one case of COVID-19

A cleaning crew was brought in on Nov. 21 to conduct a deep cleaning and sanitization process.

“We are following all of the health and safety protocols to ensure that our school will continue to be a safe environment for both students and staff,” said the letter.

Parents or guardians of students and staff that have been identified as being in close contact with the individual who has COVID-19 have been contacted by the school administration and will be quarantining at home until the end of the day on Dec. 2.

If you have not been contacted, your child has not been identified as a close contact and is not considered to be at an increased risk for COVID-19.

New measures in place

As per the provincial announcement from Premier Jason Kenney on Nov. 24, all schools across Alberta will be closing down for an extended winter break in attempt to stop the recent spike in confirmed cases.

Grades 7 to 12 will commence at-home learning as of Nov. 30 until Jan. 11.

Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes will continue in-person learning until their scheduled winter break and move to at-home learning after the winter break until Jan. 8. In-person classes will resume on Jan. 11.

Although many schools in Alberta have reported cases, Kenney stated that it is more prevalent that community spread is affecting schools, rather than transmission happening in schools.

Enhanced status

As of Nov. 25, the data on the alberta.ca geospatial interactive map (which was up-to-date as of the end of day on Nov. 23) there were 70 active cases within the city and county of Camrose according to the municipality setting, and Camrose County remains under enhanced watch status.

Communities under enhanced watch status are to reduce attendance at places of worship to 1/3 normal capacity and restricted access to some businesses is to start on Nov. 27.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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