November 17, 2021

To: St. Martin School and Schoolhouse Playcare Centre Community,  

This letter is to inform you that the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has been notified that four additional individuals associated with St. Martin  School and the Schoolhouse Playcare childcare program have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to five cases. There is evidence of spread in  the school setting; therefore, an outbreak is being declared.

The public health investigation is ongoing. Impacted classes/cohorts have  been dismissed from the school, childcare and any related settings such as  bus transportation. Directly impacted individuals will be contacted by public  health and provided instructions. If you have not been contacted by TBDHU, your child is not considered at elevated risk at this time.

Public health is working closely with the school, school board and childcare to  continue the investigation. Further communication will be provided in the  coming days as needed.

For further information about COVID-19 and schools, please refer to the  TBDHU website: TBDHU.com/stopgerms and TBDHU.com/safereturn_parents.

TBDHU encourages anyone who is eligible, to be immunized with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. TBDHU anticipates that children 5 to 11 years old  will be eligible in the near future. Please visit TBDHU.com/VaccineFacts for credible information on the vaccine and where to get vaccinated.

Sincerely,

Janet DeMille MD, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health
Thunder Bay District Health Unit

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