Parents of students at the Niverville Middle School received an email Thursday afternoon advising them that an individual from the school has tested positive for COVID-19. This comes after the case was confirmed by Manitoba Public Health.
The individual who tested positive is in the Grade Five cohort and the risk of exposure is deemed to be low. The exposure took place on Tuesday, October 6.
“At this time, no close contacts have been identified at Niverville Middle School,” reads the notice from Public Health. “No one is required to self-isolate from this exposure.”
In its correspondence to parents, the Hanover School Division noted that within 24 hours of a confirmed COVID-19 laboratory test, Public Health begins an investigation to identify people who may have been exposed.
“Public Health has access to enrollment information such as school class lists and contact information for parents/guardians and staff,” reads the letter. “Anyone identified as a close contact of the confirmed case will be contacted directly by Public Health and provided instructions regarding self-isolation and COVID-19 testing.”
No further identifying information about the individual will be provided. The school will remain open.
“In an abundance of caution, the entire school will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected this evening,” the letter continues. “Please be assured that HSD is working closely with Public Health to ensure necessary measures continue to be in place to protect all students and staff.”
Public Health advises parents that if a child develops a new symptom, even if it is mild, or the worsening of a symptom—such as fever/chills, cough, sore throat/hoarse voice, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, a loss of taste or smell, or vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours—then they should immediately isolate themselves from others.
“It is recommended your child get tested for COVID‐19 as soon as symptoms appear,” Public Health adds. “Individuals with symptoms… who choose not to be tested must isolate for a minimum of 10 days following the start of symptoms. Isolation can be stopped at day 10 if the individual has been symptom free for 24 hours.”
