A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Bear Creek Secondary School in south-end Barrie, according to a letter from the principal sent home on Wednesday.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit defines an outbreak as two or more lab-confirmed COVID cases in students and/or staff (or other visitors) with an epidemiological link (i.e. shared space or objects with each other), within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have contracted COVID-19 in the school (including transportation and before/after school care).
The Red Oak Drive high school remains open.
However, "students and staff in the affected class/cohort have been asked to remain home and not attend school at this time," principal Jason Pino said in his letter to parents and guardians. "All other students can continue to come to school."
Pino says the school is working closely with the Simcoe County District School Board, the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium, and the health unit.
"Together, we are taking necessary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus, both in the school and in the community," Pino said. "We recognize that receiving this information may be stressful and we want to ensure that you and your family understand what you can expect to happen going forward."
Due to privacy laws, the health unit does not release personal or identifying information about any staff or student who is ill unless deemed necessary. If your child is identified as a close contact, the health unit will follow up with you directly.
According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, there are five other active school outbreaks in Simcoe County, including: Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, Nantyr Shores Secondary School in Innisfil, Steele Street Public School in Barrie, Bradford District High School in Bradford, and Portage View Public School in Barrie.
