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Scarborough school closed due to outbreak involving COVID-19 variant

Click to play video: 'Outbreak forces closure of Toronto school 2 weeks after in-class learning resumed'
Outbreak forces closure of Toronto school 2 weeks after in-class learning resumed
WATCH ABOVE: Two weeks after Toronto students returned to in-person learning, an outbreak at an east-end school has led to its closure. Donwood Park P.S. is the first Toronto school to shut down due to a COVID-19 outbreak this calendar year. Miranda Anthistle spoke with parents and students about their concerns and frustrations. – Mar 2, 2021

A school in Scarborough has been closed due to an outbreak involving a COVID-19 variant of concern.

In a news release issued Monday evening, Toronto health officials said they recommended Donwood Park Public School dismiss staff and students due to the outbreak, which involves six students, four of whom have screened positive for a variant.

Officials said that in four of the cases, “community exposure is likely.”

The Toronto District School Board said the school will be closed beginning Tuesday and remain closed “until further notice.”

Toronto health officials said they have followed up with close contacts and are recommending that the whole school be tested, as well as families.

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Officials said the closure was done as a precaution as an investigation is conducted.

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“(Toronto Public Health) reminds Torontonians that variants are spreading in the city and the province,” the news release said, adding that variants of concern are believed to be more transmissible.

“This increases the risk that the virus will spread between people. Faster and wider spread of the virus makes it more likely that more people will get sick, which can increase strain on the health care system.”

A photo of the doors of Donwood Park Public School, located in the area of Midland and Lawrence avenues. Rob Ford / Global News

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