Students at Cambridge elementary school told to self-isolate, declared high-risk

Students and staff in two classes at a Cambridge elementary school have been asked to self-isolate after two siblings tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a release posted on St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Elementary School’s website Tuesday.

Initially, the school said there was one case, but the Waterloo Catholic District School Board said it was working with Waterloo Public Health to determine how the second case would be attributed.

“There was conflicting information yesterday as to whether Public Health would count the second case (siblings) as a ‘school’ case versus a ‘community’ case,” a spokesperson for the board said. “Had to do with the last date the second child attended school.”

The school says the students were dismissed after being identified as high-risk contacts and have been asked to self-isolate at home. In addition, parents and guardians of those students who are considered high risk will be receiving calls from Waterloo Public Health.

The update says that all other students and staff can still attend but are being asked to self-monitor and seek testing if symptoms develop.

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The school has not been placed under outbreak status as that requires two or more connected positive tests to occur at schools under Ontario guidelines.

There are currently two outbreaks underway at Cardinal Leger and JF Carmichael, which are both elementary schools in Kitchener.

There was also an outbreak in September at a high school in Kitchener which has ended.

Thus far, 25 students and three staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus.