First coronavirus student case confirmed at Toronto District School Board
The first positive COVID-19 case in a student at a Toronto District School Board institution has been reported just days after classes resumed.
In the updated TDSB COVID-19 list, one student at the York Memorial Collegiate Institute has confirmed positive for the virus, making it the first student case with the school board.
In an email to Daily Hive, the TDSB shared a letter sent to parents and guardians at the school, stating that they have no reason to worry for students and their families as the student in question was only at the school for a short period on Monday.
“As per our procedures, staff and students are required to wear masks while at school and practice physical distancing — even in the days leading up to the first day,” read the letter.
“As a precaution, an enhanced cleaning was conducted in the impacted areas but no further steps have been advised by TPH at this time. TPH will continue to provide advice and communication to the school community if the situation changes.”
As of September 17, seven staff members and one student have reported positive COVID-19 tests, within the same time frame as students prepared to head back to school.
Three of the cases are in high schools — Earl Haig Secondary School, York Mills Collegiate Institute, and the School of Experiential Education.
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The other four include Bloordale Middle School, Brookhaven Public School, Charles G. Fraser Junior Public School, and Don Mills Middle School.
This news comes after the TDSB announced a late start to the new school year for both in-person and online classes.
“Due to the large number of families who have selected Virtual School (more than 72,000 students), we require additional time to staff and timetable to ensure a more consistent opening for all staff and students. As a result, all students, including those in Special Education classes, attending Virtual School (elementary and secondary) will begin on Tuesday, September 22,” said the TDSB on its website.
The TDSB said the delay was due to “complexities” with the timetables and staffing.
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