Three London Catholic schools closed due to confirmed or probable omicron cases
The board says the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect students and staff
Three Catholic elementary schools in London have been closed because of multiple confirmed or probable cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the London District Catholic School Board announced late Monday night.
St. Marguerite, St. Nicholas and St. Mary Choir and Orchestra schools, with a combined enrolment of about 1,300 students, will be closed for the rest of this week, according to a statement issued by the board. While the schools are closed, students will participate in virtual learning.
The decision was made because a number of students and staff are quarantining due to potential exposure to the omicron variant.
"Since the cases affect staff in multiple different classrooms throughout the schools as part of their regular duties, this decision was made out of an abundance of caution to help ensure the health, safety and well-being of all students and staff at the schools", the statement added.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is investigating the suspected cases and will provide advice and support to the affected school communities.
The closure announcement came just hours after the health unit announced a cluster of 30 COVID-19 cases likely linked to the Omicron variant.
The board says in-person classes are expected to resume on Monday, December 13.
Meanwhile, close contacts to omicron cases have been identified at two schools in the Thames Valley District School Board, but Princess Elizabeth Public in London and Delaware Public School in Delaware will remain open for now, the board said in a statement Monday night.
It says all individuals are isolated and all appropriate public health follow-up is underway.