By Chris Brown

Three Taber schools alerted about positive COVID-19 test

Oct 13, 2020 | 1:24 PM

TABER, AB – Horizon School Division has published a letter to staff, students, and visitors of three Taber schools that a person affiliated with them tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.

The affected schools are D.A. Ferguson Middle School, W.R. Myers High School, and Taber Mennonite School Complex.

“AHS is currently conducting a case investigation and will know shortly if this person may have been in our school while infectious, or if they may have acquired COVID-19 in our school,” reads the letter.

“The Alberta Government, AHS and our school administration are collectively committed to being as transparent as possible in respect to COVID-19 cases, and as such, if a case of COVID-19 is confirmed to have been infectious or acquired disease in a school setting, a letter will be sent out to all parents/guardians. If AHS determines that this person did not acquire disease in school, or attend school while they may have been infectious, a letter will not be sent.”

The letter goes on to say the schools remain open to staff and students.

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The three schools were added to the COVID-19 tracker on Support Our Students on Monday morning.

Six schools in Lethbridge have also been added to the list since Oct. 9.

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Deena Hinshaw is to provide an update on COVID-19 Tuesday afternoon.

The statement from Horizon School Division can be read below.

Date: October 13, 2020 COVID-19 Pre-Alert Letter

RE: Notice of COVID-19 to Staff, Students and Visitors in the D.A. Ferguson Middle School/W.R. Myers High School/Taber Mennonite School Complex.

Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff,

It has come to my attention early this morning that a person affiliated with our school has tested positive for COVID-19 over the long weekend. Every case of COVID-19 is investigated by Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS is currently conducting a case investigation and will know shortly if this person may have been in our school while infectious, or if they may have acquired COVID-19 in our school.

The Alberta Government, AHS and our school administration are collectively committed to being as transparent as possible in respect to COVID-19 cases, and as such, if a case of COVID-19 is confirmed to have been infectious or acquired disease in a school setting, a letter will be sent out to all parents/guardians. If AHS determines that this person did not acquire disease in school, or attend school while they may have been infectious, a letter will not be sent.

Our thoughts remain with the individual that tested positive, and their family. We wish them a safe and speedy recovery.

The school remains open for staff and students. Out of respect for this individual and in accordance with Alberta Health Services Guidelines, we cannot disclose personal details. Pg. 2

We remind our staff team to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 using the Alberta Screening Questionnaire. Please remember to complete the checklist each day prior to attending school. If you or a member of your family has any of the symptoms of illness listed, please fill out the online Alberta Health Services COVID-19 self-assessment or call Health Link at 811.

The health and safety of our students and staff remains our first priority, and we are confident in the measures we have in place. We will continue to provide additional information to parents/guardians and staff as it is available.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, Dr. Wilco Tymensen, Superintendent of Schools