A-L Horton School in Vegreville has issued an advisory regarding a parent of students at the school who has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 ...

The advisory states that on Wednesday, March 11th Elk Island Public Schools was informed that an “individual, who is a parent of two students from our (A-L Horton) school, was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus following a trip outside of Canada."

It goes on to state that “the spouse of the person diagnosed, along with their children, have not tested positive but are currently in self-isolation. The children, however, attended school earlier this week.”

The advisory continues to read that “while we understand this news will be of concern to everyone, the risk to the general school community remains low.”

In light of the news, Elk Island Public Schools says A-L Horton School will be taking the following steps:

• Deploying custodial staff to do a deep clean in the school

• Shutting down the communal water fountains and supplying bottled water for staff and students

• Postponing the community use of our facilities

• Promptly separating any staff or students who show flu like symptoms and keeping them isolated until they can go home

• Following any additional recommendations or directives provided by Alberta Health Services

According to Health Canada, the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and to cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze and to wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.

E.I.P.S. says to help students comply with this advice, the school will reinforce those recommendations on daily morning announcements and in classrooms and will ensure ample supplies of soap and hand sanitizer are available for staff and students.

Those seeking more information regarding COVID-19 are encouraged to visit the Alberta Health Services information page.



