Entire Toronto high school ordered to move to remote learning amid COVID-19 investigation

Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Toronto District School Board (TDSB) officials say all students at a west-end high school will switch to remote learning following an investigation into COVID-19 cases.

In a TPH news release issued Monday evening, officials said the decision to suspend in-person classes and activities at Silverthorn Collegiate Institute on Mill Road was made after a “careful and detailed investigation” as well as recent newly reported cases and potential exposure to the virus at unspecified multi-grade events.

It wasn’t immediately clear exactly how many people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in recent days, but it’s believed at least seven students have been identified as currently testing positive for the virus.

“TPH continues to investigate this COVID-19 outbreak, including following up with close contacts, providing guidance, and recommending whole-school testing,” the statement said.

“COVID-19 activity in the school setting is not unexpected given that the virus continues to circulate in Toronto and how transmissible Delta variant is.

“TPH is also encouraging vaccination for the entire school community. including family members of students if they have not already been fully vaccinated with two doses of (a) COVID-19 vaccine.”

A TDSB tweet said TPH staff needed more time to continue with their probe and that the dismissal could last up to 10 days.

While there are 21 schools in Toronto with active COVID-19 outbreaks (two or more confirmed cases linked to school settings within 14 days and at least one of the cases likely acquired the infection at a school setting), officials said this is the first recent whole-school dismissal.

In addition to the nearly two dozen outbreaks, public health staff reported there are also 30 active investigations in 122 educational settings.