6 more cases of COVID-19 at Hamilton schools

Six more cases of COVID-19 have been linked to Hamilton schools as of Monday morning.

A staff member at Glen Echo Elementary School tested positive on Nov. 22, according to principalMark Tadeson.

School staff have contacted the employees and families of students who are considered close contacts and asked them to isolate for 14 days, he said.

"[Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board]and our school are working closely with public health to ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent the spread of illness to other students or people in the school community," reads a letter to families.

The other four cases associated with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) all involve students.

Among them is a student atR.L. HyslopElementary School, saysthe board.

A letter from principalJennifer Hogan says public health has determined there are no student or staff close contacts because the person in question was not in the building when there would have been risk of exposure.

"As such, [public health] considers the risk to other students and staff low," it says.

One of cases involves a student in the remote learning program who also tested positive on Nov. 22, saysHWDSB spokesperson Shawn McKillop.

Meanwhile, one case was reported at both James MacDonaldand Westviewelementary schools.

The board says it was notified of each case on Nov. 22 and that all staff and students who may have been exposed have been contacted by health officials and directed to self-isolate fortwo weeks.

Student at Bishop Ryan tests positive

One new case was recorded atHamilton's Catholic school board, which listed nineactive cases (seven students and twostaff members) on Monday.

A student at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, who was last in the building on Nov. 16, tested positive for the virus, according to the school.

The board says public health will contact any students who are required to self-isolate.

"The health, safety and well-being of our students and staff ... is especially important as we return to classroom learning during the current pandemic," reads a letter from principal MichaelLawlor.

"We will continue to work closely with [public health]to ensure all health and safety measures are in place to prevent transmission to other students and individuals in the school community."