W.J. Langlois School Fully Closing Due To COVID-19 Outbreak

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W.J. Langlois school as seen on Google Street View

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has announced the full closure of W.J. Langlois Catholic Elementary School in Windsor after two more cases of COVID-19.

The Health Unit had declared an outbreak at the school on Thursday after two cases of COVID-19 were reported in a single classroom. As a precaution, the entire class was dismissed and asked to isolate for a period of 14-days.

Upon further investigation, the Health Unit says there are now four confirmed COVID-19 cases from the school and now the entire school community is being dismissed and asked to isolate for a period of 14-days.

Health Unit officials say the entire school is considered high-risk for exposure to COVID-19 and they’re working with the school board to manage the outbreak and limit the spread of infection.

“It is essential for students and staff of W.J. Langlois to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms every day,” says Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health. “If you have any symptoms, go get tested.”

Catholic board communications coordinator Stephen Fields says the school was ordered closed at dismissal today and will remain closed for a period of 14 days.

Fields says students will be transitioning to online learning beginning Monday. Students will hear directly from their teachers via their WECDSB email accounts with further instructions on how to access their classrooms.

He says a followup letter confirming the details was sent home with all students at dismissal today. A voice message was also sent to all students’ households.

“We will continue to work with public health to keep the school community informed about the outbreak and implement all necessary additional health and safety measures to clean and disinfect the school,” says Terry Lyons, Director of Education with Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.

Health Unit officials say they will not be disclosing any further details about the cases or the number of close contacts at the school, due to private considerations.

They say parents, guardians or staff with questions should contact the Health Unit’s healthy schools department at 519-258-2146 ext. 1555.

Dr. Ahmed and CEO Theresa Marentette will address the public about the outbreak during Monday’s YouTube Live broadcast at 9:30am.