UPDATE: Third COVID case reported at Athabasca school

Updated to reflect third case reported at Whispering Hills Primary School Dec. 17.

ATHABASCA - Aspen View Public Schools reported this morning a third positive case of COVID-19 in an individual from Whispering Hills Primary School in Athabasca.

The school division, which oversees schools within Athabasca County and three other surrounding counties, reported Dec. 17 that 14 students and two staff members were identified and directed to stay at home. 

This is the third person associated with the Grade 1-3 school who is reported to have tested positive for the virus since Dec. 10.

In the case reported Dec. 15, Aspen View identified three close contacts and advised them to stay home as well. It was determined the first individual, from Dec. 10, did not have any close contacts within the school.

Aspen View communications officer Ross Hunter said all WHPS families were notified about the earlier case by e-mail, but since no close contacts were identified, senior administration decided the media release that usually accompanies reports of new positive cases in the school division, was not necessary..

Whether the individuals were students, or staff, or other, was not released, and no further details will be provided due to considerations for their privacy.

“Aspen View and Whispering Hills Primary School administration is diligently following Alberta Health Services guidance to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect the health and safety of students and staff,” said Supt. Neil O'Shea.

Elsewhere in the school division, Smith School and Vilna School both saw one case each early on, but H.A. Kostash School in Smoky Lake and Thorhild Central School in Thorhild have seen higher numbers in recent weeks.

As of Dec. 17, both schools are on provincial watch status, and outbreaks have been declared, according to the school status map provided by the provincial government. The same map shows H.A. Kostash School with more than five active cases, while Thorhild Central School is shown to have between two and four.

The last day of school before Christmas break is Dec. 18 for Grades 1-6, while older students have been learning at home since Nov. 30, as per government regulations. All students are scheduled to resume at-home learning Jan. 4, and physically return to school Jan. 11. 

School offices will be open Jan. 4-8 and administration staff will be on hand to answer any questions. 

Aspen View reminds parents/guardians of students, as well as any staff to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The Alberta Health daily checklist can be found here. Please remember to complete the checklist each day prior to attending school. If you or your child have any of the core symptoms listed on the Alberta Health daily checklist, please stay home/keep your child at home and fill out the online Alberta Health Services COVID-19 self-assessment or call Health Link at 811.

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