Board/Durham Region Health Department close Monsignor Leo Cleary CES in Courtice in response to COVID-19 outbreak
Sept. 25, 2021
The following letter was sent to the Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School community in Coutice, informing students, families and staff that the Board has made the decision in collaboration with the Durham Region Health Department to close the school to in-person learning effective immediately.
Dear parents, guardians and staff,
As you are aware, a COVID-19 outbreak was declared on Sept. 16, 2021 at Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School. Administrators at the school and board level have continued to work closely with the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) to manage this evolving situation.
Today, DRHD declared a facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak at the school. Due to the ongoing level of COVID-19 activity within the school and the number of staff and students who have been dismissed, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board has made the decision in collaboration with DRHD to close the school to in-person learning effective immediately. This decision will prevent further spread of COVID-19 within the school setting.
The closure will be in effect for at least two weeks. All students will transition to virtual learning until further notice. Students will be contacted by classroom teachers on Monday morning with instructions to begin the transition to virtual learning.
DRHD is in the process of directly informing those identified as close contacts, who are required to self-isolate for 10 days from their last exposure to COVID-19. Anyone else who attended the school between September 19 to September 24, 2021 are still considered at risk for exposure and should self-monitor for COVID-19 signs and symptoms for 10 days from their last day of attendance at the school.
DRHD is strongly recommending that all staff and students get tested for COVID-19 to identify additional cases in the school. To get tested, go to covidswab.lh.ca. If you cannot access the online booking site, call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
If symptoms develop, get tested as soon as possible. COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, changes to taste or smell. Children under 18 may also experience nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Adults over 18 may experience symptoms of fatigue (generally feeling unwell or tired), or muscle aches and pain. Other symptoms may include sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, abdominal pain, headache, pink eye or decreased appetite. For more information go to www.durham.ca/COVID19
Any families who require additional technology support from the school during this period of virtual learning are asked to contact the school on Monday morning to request a device.
We will let families know with as much notice as possible when in-person learning is set to resume. Should families have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school beginning Monday morning at: (905) 433-0331.
Sincerely,
Linda Bier
Principal