Confirmed COVID-19 case at Good Shepherd CES in Courtice

April 15, 2021,

The following letter was sent to the Good Shepherd Catholic Elementary School community in Courtice, informing students and families that the Durham Health Department has confirmed that an individual at the school has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Dear parents, guardians, and staff:

As always, the well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, we are letting you know that we have been informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Good Shepherd Catholic Elementary School.

As directed by Durham Region Health Department, we have identified and informed the classroom cohorts and individuals who were known to have been in close-contact with the person who is ill during their infectious period. Those identified as close contacts will be provided further guidance by the Durham Region Health Department. 

The individual who is ill is at home isolating. The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared.

Staff and students who are NOT directly advised to stay home are deemed low risk, but should continue to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 daily.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), new or worsening cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes to sense of taste and/or smell, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and runny nose, or nasal congestion (not caused by seasonal allergies). For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/novelcoronavirus.

If staff or students develop one or more symptoms, immediately self-isolate, call Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729 and seek testing.

We will continue to follow all health precautions at the school, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by the health unit.

We will continue to let families know about any further developments. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Sincerely,

Frank Bradica
Principal