Southwestern Public Health Confirms Case of COVID-19 Within Local Elementary School

Southwestern Public Health has been notified that a member of the Mitchell Hepburn Public School community in St. Thomas, Ontario has tested positive for COVID-19.

Following notification of the test result earlier today, public health staff immediately initiated the case investigation. The source of infection is known; the virus was not contracted at the school. Close contacts are being notified of their potential exposure by public health officials. The rest of the school community will be notified with next steps by the school administration.

“Our Infectious Disease and School Health Teams are working with the school to take the steps necessary to limit the spread of infection and support families through this process,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health for the region.

Public health will not release the identity of the case or whether it is a student or an employee, to protect the privacy of the individual.

About Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

Contacts

Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
519-631-9900 x 1259 | 1-800-922-0096
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca