ATHABASCA – Two individuals within Aspen View Public Schools tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
The school division was informed Jan. 23 one individual from Landing Trail Intermediate School (LTIS) had received a positive result to a recent test and previous to that, on Jan. 17, Aspen View reported its first positive case since students returned to in-school learning at the Centre for Alternative & Virtual Education, also known as the CAVE
“Thirteen students and one staff from LTIS who had close contact with the positive case have been directed to stay home,” read a statement from the division. “In addition, a total of 25 students from LTIS and Edwin Parr Composite School who had close contact with the positive case through student transportation have also been directed to stay home. To protect privacy, no further case details will be provided.”
A Jan. 17 media release from the school division said two students and one staff member from the CAVE were also found to be close contacts in that case and and were also advised to stay home.
Specific details were not publicly disclosed in either case to preserve the privacy of the individuals involved.
Supt. Neil O’Shea said the schools and the division “are diligently following Alberta Health Services guidance to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect the health and safety of students and staff.”
Since students returned to school Jan. 11, four outbreaks (five or more cases) have been declared in schools in Edmonton, Calgary, Airdrie and St. Albert. Sixty other schools across the province have been put on alert status (two to four cases).
Those with just one reported case do not appear on the interactive map provided on the Government of Alberta website, and retain their open status unless a second case is reported within 14 days.
Aspen View encourages parents, guardians and staff members to be aware of symptoms and monitor for them every day by completing the checklist from Alberta Health Services prior to attending school.
If any of those core symptoms are observed, it is advised the child should be kept home, and the AHS COVID self-assessment form should be completed. Or call Health Link at 811.
