COVID-19 case at Vaughan Catholic school is ‘low risk’

The person is not a student or employee of the York Catholic District School Board

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 18, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

York Catholic District School Board confirmed Sept. 16 that a staff person in the Before and After (B & A) School Program at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Elementary School in Vaughan has tested positive for COVID-19.

Initially, YCDSB reported about the case -- the first in its schools -- through its online advisory, but no further details were given.

“York Region Public Health will investigate every confirmed case and contact any close contacts directly,” YCDSB said on its online advisory. “If new confirmed positive cases are identified, this list will be updated weekdays by 4 p.m.”

The board confirmed late Saturday afternoon on Sept. 12 that it was notified by York Region Public Health the staff person has COVID-19.

However, after public health’s investigation, “They have determined this case to be low risk to the school community,” YCDSB said.

“The person is employed by the B & A operator at the school and is not an employee of the York Catholic District School Board,” it added.

The board pointed out it’s following both public health’s and the Ministry of Education’s re-entry plan protocols.

“We are following these protocols as we respond to this situation. You can read more of these details in our School Re-entry Plan.”

Here are some “facts” shared by YCDSB about the case:

• The B & A rooms are only used for that program, and are not used as classrooms by the school;

• The B & A staff person last worked the morning shift before school on Thursday, Sept. 10 and has not been in the school since;

• The staff person was not exhibiting any symptoms while at work, wore a mask and face shield and maintained at least two metres/six feet of physical distance from students and staff;

• B & A staff and parents of students attending the B & A program have been contacted by YRPH as part of their investigation.

Through the investigation, YRPH determined that the risk to students and staff is low. Out of an abundance of caution, B & A staff and students who were in contact have been directed by YRPH to stay home and self-isolate for 14 days.

The B & A classrooms, office, washrooms and all high-traffic touch points in the area were sanitized and disinfected by York Catholic custodial staff on Sunday, Sept. 13.

YRPH determined the school is clear to operate as usual.