December 2nd, 2020

Region of Waterloo Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Clemens Mill Public School. Public Health’s investigation has determined two positive cases, both students, in the cohort asked to isolate last week. The identity of the individuals are protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared.

No additional classrooms or cohorts will be dismissed. It is important to note that the outbreak is related to the cohort only. It is not a school-wide outbreak.

In addition to declaring an outbreak, Public Health also confirmed a new case of COVID-19 in a student, last in the school on November 18, 2020. Public Health has completed its investigation and has determined that there was no exposure to students or staff during the infectious period. As a result, no dismissals of staff or students to self-isolate are required. 

Public Health has determined there is no link between the outbreak and the new case confirmed today.

School outbreaks are defined as two or more confirmed cases in a school with an epidemiological link, within a 14 day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school (including transportation and before/after school care). An outbreak is declared in the absence of any other likely conclusion or link to any other case.

We will continue to take direction from Public Health and will provide further updates as necessary.

Communicating with WRDSB families, students and staff is a guiding principle of our Return to School plans. In accordance with guidance from the Ministry of Education, the Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 page will be updated on an ongoing basis with information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving a student or staff member in a school setting. 

We thank you for your continued support during this time.