Parents/guardians, students and staff at Almonte District High School are receiving written notification today concerning two possible separate exposures to COVID-19.

The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit has already been in contact with all individuals who have had high-risk exposure and those people have isolated. The health unit will continue to closely monitor the situation and are available to answer parent/guardian questions.

No change to the school schedule or daily operations has been required.

The health unit encourages parents/guardians to continue to use the COVID-19 School Screening Tool prior to each school day, as well as regular public health recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

Testing for COVID-19 is not recommended, unless you are experiencing symptoms or have been directed to get tested by public health. If symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate, contact the health unit at 1-866-236-0123 and get tested at a local assessment centre. 

The Upper Canada District School Board provides information about cases in our schools on the COVID-19 Advisory Information page, as does the Government of Ontario.

The health unit and the school board do not release details about a COVID-19 case in a school directly to the public. Schools report to the provincial government and it is tracked on the provincial website. It can take up to 24 to 48 hours for the information to be posted, based on the timing of reporting. 

In the interest of privacy, information about an individual with COVID-19 will not be provided, nor details of the class or grade affected.

We kindly ask that if you know details to refrain from sharing these publicly; be kind and resist the temptation to speculate or share rumours. We all deserve to have our personal health information protected. 

If parents have questions, they can visit the health unit website or contact 1-800-660-5853.

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