3 new school COVID-19 cases in Brantford and Waterdown

Two schools in Brantford and a Catholic elementaryschool in Waterdownhave COVID-19 cases.

Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School on Centre Road in Waterdown is reportinga positive case in a staff member.

Marnie Jadon, spokesperson for Hamilton-WentworthCatholic District School Board, told CBCNews the employeehas been self-isolating since Sept. 8, after a close contact tested positive for COVID-19.

"While the staff member initially tested negative, a subsequent test has come back positive. The individual will remain in self-isolation untilnotified by public health that it is safe to return to work," Jadon wrote.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton's medical officer of health, saidthere were no high riskor close contacts at the school in this case.

"That's great from that perspective, so parents and students should be reassured," she said.

A close contact includes any students or staff in this individual's class or cohort, but may also include others.

Richardson said local school boards have done "a heck of a lot of work" to keep everyone safe.

"We're all very happy that we've got just a few cases associated with schools and we want to see that continue ... but this is going to be something we're going to follow for quite some time."

COVID-19 in two Brantford schools

Onondaga-Brant Public School in Brantford near Colborne Street East, part ofthe Grand Erie District School Board, said it was informed Tuesday night that an individual tested positive for the virus.

"This individual has been directed by the health unit to self-isolate for 14 days, along with any family members who reside in the same household," reads a notice to families on Wednesday.

"Last night, we contacted the students and staff identified by the Brant County Health Unit as close contacts at this point to the COVID-19 case. We asked these individuals to remain at home today."

The board says theBrant County Health Unit will be in direct contact with these individualsto completecontact tracing.It will also offernext steps to those contacted.

The school remains open.

INTERACTIVE | Use this map to findCOVID-19 cases in local schools

St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School, on Wood Street near King George Road, reports it also received word on Wednesday of an infected individual in the school community.

The notice, fromBrant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board,offered a similar sentiment to theOnondaga-Brant note.

"If you or your child IS not contacted by the applicable Health Unit, they have not been considereda close contact," reads the letter to St. Pius X families.

The school remains open.

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