Grande Prairie, AB – Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) has been advised of a case of COVID-19 at Harry Balfour School (HBS). The individual last attended the school on Friday, February 19. School administration communicated the information to families and staff on Wednesday, February 24, after learning about the positive test result and receiving direction from AHS.
Out of respect for the individual, and in accordance with AHS guidelines, no further information will be shared about this case. PWPSD and HBS wish the individual a safe and speedy recovery, and will continue to work closely with AHS to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students and staff.
School remains open for in-person learning, close contacts advised to isolate
On Wednesday, February 24, school administration provided the following information to all families and staff members:
- The plans set in place to create zones and cohorts at HBS have worked as planned, and helped in the successful completion of contact tracing with AHS.
- The identified close contacts must isolate at home until:
- Wednesday, March 3, for those identified as being within close contact of the case on February 16.
- Thursday, March 4, for those identified as being within close contact of the case on February 17.
- Friday, March 5, for those identified as being within close contact of the case on February 18.
- Saturday, March 6, for those identified as being within close contact of the case on February 19.
- Remote learning opportunities will be provided to isolating students.
- AHS is expected to provide all close contacts with further direction on testing and isolation instructions.
- Students and staff not identified as close contacts do not need to isolate and can return to school on Thursday, February 25.
- The school has been disinfected.
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UPDATE, February 27, 2021: Please note that AHS supplied the attached "alert" letter on February 27, 2021, regarding the two cases of COVID-19 announced by Peace Wapiti Public School Division and Harry Balfour School on February 7 and February 24. Whenever a school reaches two or more cases within a set timeframe, the Medical Officer of Health will request that AHS Public Health staff initiate an investigation. The school will remain on alert for 28 days.