Livingstone Range School Division confirmed Tuesday morning its first case of COVID-19.
The school division was notified by Alberta Health Services (AHS) late Monday of a case at Willow Creek Composite high school in Claresholm.
The school is working with AHS to provide contact tracing.
In compliance with public health guidelines, the affected individual and all close contacts will be required to self-isolate according to AHS guidelines.
This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Livingstone Range School Division, although senior administration and school administrators have been preparing for months.
“We have an excellent plan in place for handling a case such as this,” superintendent Darryl Seguin said in a news release.
“When we received the call from AHS, our COVID-19 rapid response plan was enacted to ensure that staff, students, and families were informed and all necessary protocols were in place.”
The rapid response plan includes communication, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing at the affected school, and ensuring continuity of learning for the students through on-line learning with their teachers.
The 26 students and three staff impacted at Willow Creek Composite will continue their work from home until they are able to resume in-person classes at the school.
“Our thoughts are with this individual and we wish them a speedy recovery,” school board chair Lori Hodges said. “We are grateful to our administrators, staff, and students who contribute to a safe and healthy learning environment and take care of one another by following public health guidelines.”
For more information about COVID-19 precautions and response to confirmed cases or outbreaks, see the 2020-’21 school re-entry plan at www.lrsd.ca.