Brantford school closes, moves to remote learning amid COVID-19 outbreak

A Brantford elementary school has closed amid a COVID-19 outbreak. Classes will be held online until the new year.

The Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB) says Branlyn Community School has shut down amid a surge involving six people who have tested positive for COVID-19 since Nov. 26.

“At this time, online learning is expected to continue through to the start of the winter break, with the school re-opening to in-person learning on Monday, January 3,” GEDSB said in a release.

The outbreak is the second the facility has faced since September. The previous episode declared on Sept. 21, involved three students with an epidemiological link.

Wednesday’s decision to close the school was made in consultation with the Brant County Health Unit.

On Tuesday, the county’s acting medical officer said public health has seen an “elevated number of cases and transmission” within’ elementary schools in Brant.

“While it is encouraging that as of Sunday, nearly 19 per cent of newly eligible children 5-11 years-of-age have already received their first dose of vaccine, it will take some time for us to see the benefits of these vaccinations,” Dr. Rebecca Comley said.

“Screening for symptoms every day before school remains imperative. I would also urge parents to take advantage of the more accessible testing options now available.”

Brant County reported 95 cases in the region, last week.

As of Sunday, 86 per cent of Brant residents 12 years-of-age and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83 per cent have completed the series.

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