November 11, 2020
To our Father Mercredi Community High School families,
Alberta Health Services is working closely with Fort McMurray Catholic Schools to support and manage the safety of our schools. This morning, Fort McMurray Catholic School Division received notice there is now an ‘outbreak’ at Father Mercredi Community High School. Please see this letter from Alberta Health Services for more information.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are three COVID-19 cases in relation to the school. These are the same three cases we notified you about previously. AHS has now determined these cases meet their definition of the term ‘outbreak’. These cases are NOT the result of in school transmission. Father Mercredi Community High School will remain open.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases (staff/child) that are epidemiologically linked.
Alberta Government K-12 school re-entry guidance states that “If a student is a close contact of someone confirmed to have COVID-19, they must quarantine and stay home for 14 days. Additionally, all of these classmates should also be tested for COVID-19. Even if a classmate of a case is tested and the result is negative, they still must complete the 14 day quarantine.”
As we continue our focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19, our custodial services team continues to conduct enhanced cleaning protocols.
Out of respect to these individuals and in accordance with Alberta Health Services guidelines, we cannot disclose personal details of the individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19.
We remind families to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 using the Alberta Health 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 staff, students and community is paramount. We know this news can be distressing for families and supports are available. Please be assured we will continue to work closely with Alberta Health Services to ensure we follow their ongoing recommendations. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Lisa Miller, Father Mercredi Community High School Principal
George McGuigan, Fort McMurray Catholic School Division Superintendent