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Covid case reported at Okotoks' École Good Shepherd School

School has been thoroughly cleaned, families notified immediately
Good Shepherd Gym 0607
Students of Good Shepherd School in 2019. One case of COVID-19 was reported at the K to Grade 6 school on Sept. 29. Brent Calver/Western Wheel

An individual with a positive COVID-19 test result has been reported at the Kindergarten to Grade 6 Good Shepherd School in Okotoks.

“We were notified yesterday (Sept. 29) of a confirmed case of an individual,” said Cindy Nickerson, co-ordinator of communications with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools.

This is the first positive result of COVID-19 at CTR Catholic, which includes communities from across southern Alberta.

The individual was last at the school on Sept. 22.

Notice was sent home to every family at the school, which has an enrolment of 680 students, concerning the positive case. Further, 19 individuals who were identified as close contacts with the person with the positive case received a letter from Alberta Heath Services.

The 19 individuals were directed by Alberta Health Services to self-isolate until Oct. 7.

No classes have been cancelled at Good Shepherd, and if needed, lessons will continue at home.

The division has worked on strategies if and when a case occurs at a school since June.

“We have had time to make sure that (a positive test) is something we treat with a measured response,” said CTR Catholic superintendent Scott Morrison in an interview last week prior to the positive test at Good Shepherd. “I don’t think we will get emotional because so many (other schools) have been through it and we learn from their example.”

He said its schools and students have quickly adopted to COVID-19 protocols.

This is the third case of a positive test at Okotoks area schools. Previously, Foothills Composite High School had two individuals test positive for COVID-19. As well, the K to Grade 9 Meadow Ridge School had an individual test positive one day prior to the first day of school.

All of the individuals at those schools have had their 14-day isolation elapse.

Morrison said he was impressed at how the Foothills School Division handled its COVID-19 situation.

Nickerson said Good Shepherd School was disinfected immediately after receiving word of the positive test — something that is done on a regular basis.

“Our schools are cleaned and disinfected each evening,” she said.

Classes are up and running at Good Shepherd — it is business as normal and all the COVID-19 protocols are being followed.

Nickerson said safety is the top priority.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual and their family and we hope them a full recovery,” Nickerson said. “The health and safety of our students, families and staff are our top priority and we will continue to work with Alberta Health Services as they give us guidance to move forward and to ensure our students can continue learning in our schools.”

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