2 Vaughan schools moved to online learning due to COVID-19 outbreak

Two schools in Vaughan have been dismissed due to COVID-19 outbreaks, York Region said on Thursday.

Eitz Chaim School, located at 80 York Boulevard and Netivot HaTorah Day School and Child Care at 18 Atkinson Avenue are both experiencing outbreaks which forced full school dismissals.

York Region officials said students and staff who were identified as close contacts of the confirmed cases have been told and are required to self-isolate.

Eitz Chaim School students were moved to online learning as of Tuesday and as of Wednesday, there were 26 confirmed COVID cases — 23 students and three staff members and visitors.

Students who receive a negative PCR test can return to school on Sunday while students who do not take a test must remain in online learning until Dec. 19

Netivot HaTorah Day School and Child Care students were placed in virtual learning effective Thursday. As of Wednesday, there were 16 confirmed cases — all students.

Students who receive a negative PCR test can return to school on Monday while students who do not take a test won’t be eligible to return until Dec. 20.

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Officials said the increase of COVID cases in schools is coinciding with the increase in social gatherings due to the holiday season.

“This outbreak serves as an important reminder of the caution required during the holidays to celebrate safely and avoid exposures that lead to school dismissals,” the region said in a statement Thursday.