F.W. Begley Public School To Close After COVID-19 Outbreak Declared

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UPDATE: Dedicated COVID-19 Testing Set Up For Students & Staff

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at Frank W. Begley Elementary school in Windsor, officials announced Tuesday evening.

The Health Unit said in a statement there are three confirmed cases from the school and the infectious period was Thursday, November 12th.

Under provincial guidelines, a school outbreak is declared if there are two or more cases in a school that are linked and if there is evidence that at least one case could have been infected in the school.

As a precaution, the Health Unit says the entire school community is being dismissed and asked to isolate for a period of 14-days or at the direction of the Health Unit.

They say the entire school is considered high-risk for exposure to COVID-19.

“It is essential for all staff and students to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms every day,” said Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. “If you have any symptoms, go get tested.”

The Health Unit says they’re working closely with the school and the Greater Essex County District School Board to manage the outbreak, further limit the spread of infection, and ensure ongoing measures are maintained to protect students and employees.

The Health Unit says the school will be sending all parents and guardians a notice about the outbreak, which includes additional public health guidance.

“As always, we are working closely with public health to protect the health and safety of the Frank W. Begley community and following their guidance,” said Sharon Pyke, Superintendent of Education for public board. “The health and safety of students and staff remains our first priority and we continue to inform the school community and implement all health and safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of the entire school.”

Due to privacy considerations, the Health Unit says they will not be disclosing any further details about the cases, or the number of close contacts at the school.

Dr. Ahmed and Health Unit officials will address the public about the outbreak during a YouTube Live broadcast at 9:30am, Wednesday morning.