16 new school-related COVID-19 cases in Hamilton
8 cases at HWDSB, 4 cases at Mohawk College, 2 cases at HWCDSB, 2 French school cases
Thirteen students and three staff members in Hamilton schools have tested positive for COVID-19 as the number of infections in the city has jumped in the past few days.
Three more students at Saltfleet District High School were diagnosed, but Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board said there is no epidemiological link between the cases and one on Friday, which means there's no outbreak.
Two staff members at Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School have the virus, but like Saltfleet, there's no outbreak.
"School administrators have notified all impacted families and staff members who are identified as a close contact. The students and staff members associated with the confirmed case will self-isolate for 14 days. Public health will connect with close contacts as part of their contact tracing process," reads a message sent to families.
A student in remoate learning at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School and a staff member at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School also have COVID-19.
4 Mohawk College students infected
Meanwhile, the novel coronavirus infected four students at Mohawk College. Two of the students attended the Stoney Creek campus and two of the students attended the aerospace training hub at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
At the Stoney Creek Campus, the students involved last attended classes on Nov. 20 and Nov. 23, respectively.
"All required protocols were followed for entry prior to the students experiencing symptoms and testing positive for COVID-19. All mask-wearing and distancing procedures were followed while on campus," read a release from the college.
At the aerospace training hub, the two students involved last attended classes on Nov. 19.
"Similarly, all health and safety protocols were followed," said the school.
"The students and Mohawk College have been cooperating with public health officials in relation to these cases. On the advice of public health, the college has contacted people who may be affected and a number of students have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days."
2 Catholic school students diagnosed
A Cathedral High School student and a St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School student have the virus.
The Cathedral student was last in class on Thursday, Nov. 19, and the St. Thomas More student was last in class on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
A classroom has closed at both schools because of the cases.
"Any students who are required to self-isolate will be contacted directly by Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS). Persons who test positive for COVID-19 may not return to school until they are cleared by HPHS," read a message to families.
2 French students have COVID-19
A student at École élémentaire catholique Notre-Dame and a student at elementary school Pavillon de la Jeunesse have the virus too.
A class has been closed in Notre-Dame.