Students, staff told to isolate after COVID-19 positive staff member worked at Waterloo school

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is investigating after a staff member at Centennial Public School in Waterloo worked at the school while infectious and awaiting COVID-19 test results, which later came back positive.

According to the school board, the staff member was symptomatic and attended the school up until Tuesday, a day before the person found out they were COVID-19 positive.

Public health directed at least six classrooms to self-isolate until December 2 as a result of high-risk contact with the positive case. Students impacted are expected to attend online school.

"This is an unfortunate situation, which runs in direct contravention to the strict health and safety protocols that we have in place at schools," said Alana Russell, the school board's chief communications officer.

"We will be looking into how it occurred that this individual was at the school at the time they were awaiting test results and we will be reinforcing the message to our staff that anyone who may be experiencing any symptoms or have reason to believe they have COVID-19 needs to stay home and away from our schools," she said.

Health and safety rules

Russell said all staff and students must complete a daily self-assessment tool and follow rules around masking and physical distancing.

She said this is a "unique" situation as most staff members across the board have followed health and safety guidelines. Nonetheless, the school board will be sending reminders to school staff regarding protocols to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

"We understand that our community is looking for answers and as are we," said Russell.

"We have been transparent with our community and will continue to be throughout this pandemic. We will continue to communicate the details of positive cases throughout our schools and we understand that the expectation to investigate and understand the circumstances around this and we're committed to doing that."

Russell said it's too soon to tell if the staff member will face any repercussions. The board will not release the exact position of the staff member — whether they're a teacher or another member of staff — because of privacy rules.

'You're putting kids in jeopardy'

Premier Doug Ford was asked about the incident during a media briefing on Wednesday.

"If you're showing symptoms and you're going into school, you're putting everyone in jeopardy. You're putting kids in jeopardy. You're putting other educators in jeopardy," he told reporters.

"It's unacceptable," he added. "I can't believe someone would do it still after preaching up here non-stop."

Waterloo region's acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said an outbreak has not been declared at the school because no transmission within the setting has been identified.

"Public health will continue to work closely with our school board partners to ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices are in place and that they have the necessary support," she said in a statement to CBC News.

Parents and staff at the school will receive updates about the case through the school board.