Letters were sent to parents and guardians this week regarding a spike in positive COVID-19 tests at Ruth Betts Community School.
Exact figures for the school were not available as of press time, but the school notified students' families and staff members of higher COVID-19 and respiratory illness activity in the school.
“This notification is to advise the school community of increased COVID-19 cases and respiratory disease activity in Ruth Betts Community School within the past 14 days,” reads the letter, which was sent home with students Jan. 24.
“All students and staff in the school should self-monitor for symptoms, and avoid non-essential contact with individuals at higher risk of developing severe disease. Students can continue to attend school as long as they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 as listed below, they do not have a positive COVID-19 test, and are not required to self-isolate (quarantine) due to exposures outside the school setting.”
Listed COVID-19 symptoms include fever/chills, cough, sore throat or hoarse voice, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, loss of sense of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
“The school will focus on preventive measures during this monitoring period to reduce the risk of further transmission. This may include postponing group and extra-curricular activities, and continuing to encourage preventive measures such as physical distancing, appropriate mask use, and hand hygiene among students,” reads the letter.
Since Jan. 5, Manitoba has recorded almost 1,000 total cases of COVID-19 in students or school staff. That includes more than 600 school-aged children who have tested positive between January 5-18, with more than 370 schools with more than one case. No Manitoba schools have moved to remote learning as of Jan. 24.
The school is continuing to hold in-person classes - no word about any further changes to school have been announced either by the school or the Flin Flon School Division.
