By Chris Brown

Taking direction from AHS

One confirmed COVID-19 case in adult who worked at Elm Street, Herald schools

Oct 5, 2020 | 12:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – There is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in an adult connected to both Elm Street School and the YMCA Before and After School care program at Herald School.

Speaking in front of Elm Street School on Monday morning, Medicine Hat Public School Division Supt. Mark Davidson, said the division learned of the positive case at about 6 p.m. on Sunday evening.

“We sent communication to the class directly impacted by Alberta Health Services order to isolate. We also communicated directly with the support of the YMCA Before and After School care program with the families of affected children from the Before and After School care program at Herald School,” he said. “We expect that today folks from Alberta Health Services will reach out to us and provide us with further direction around communication that goes to families.”

Davidson said further direction for close contacts of the infected individual will come directly from Alberta Health Services, but that the school division on behalf of AHS will provide information to the class and staff directly affected.

“What they’ve received from us so far is stay home and Alberta Health Services will be in touch to give you further direction,” he said.

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The superintendent said 25 people from Elm Street School are currently isolating.

READ MORE: Statement from MHPSD on Elm Street School

Davidson said cleaning staff was sent to both schools last night and again this morning to address the locations, specifically at high tough areas in the school.

Since the beginning of school, Davidson says, the division has been following the direction of Alberta Health Services and Dr. Deena Hinshaw in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“Dr. Hinshaw has said from the beginning that we would have infections in schools, that there will be outbreaks in schools that it will happen in the community. We’re doing our part by following the direction of Alberta Health Service, Dr. Hisnshw in order to mitigate the spread,” he said. “But we know for a fact that when we find out that someone has been in our building that is infected with the virus, we’re going to have to respond and do our best to make sure that we communicate clearly, to make sure that we do all of the cleaning that we’ve been directed to do and to always monitor our processes to make that we’ve been doing things right in advance of that news coming to us.”

In a statement, the YMCA says there are about 15 children registered with the Herald Before and After School program with varying degrees of attendance. It says all COVID-19 public health guidelines have been followed since the program resumed for this school year.

“Since the beginning of this pandemic, the YMCA, Alberta Health Services and the Medicine Hat Public School Division have been in close contact, working together to ensure the safety of YMCA staff and families” said Sharon Hayward, CEO YMCA of Medicine Hat. “Our approach at all times, has been guided by local and provincial health officials. While all recommended protocols were in place, we continue to review our efforts to ensure a safe environment at our YMCA. We are grateful for the ongoing support and direction from local health agencies and our community. We will continue to work together to fight the spread of COVID-19.”

The statement says the Medical Officer of Health has advised the YMCA to temporarily close the Herald Before & After School Care program for 14 days from the date the employee was last there.

“This means we anticipate re-opening the program on October 13, 2020. During this closure, our understanding is that AHS will complete thorough contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with this individual.”