COVID-19 test tube. (Photo from Pixabay)COVID-19 test tube. (Photo from Pixabay)
Chatham

Chatham-Kent hits 10 COVID-19 deaths, another outbreak declared

There has been another death in Chatham-Kent linked to COVID-19.

The public health unit in Chatham-Kent said a woman in her 90s passed away at the Chatham hospital on Saturday. The latest death brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths locally to 10 over the past year.

Chatham-Kent Public Health also reported an outbreak at A.A. Wright Public School in Wallaceburg that was declared on Friday. Public health officials said there are five cases at the school. The school remains open. Jeff Moco of Chatham-Kent Public Health Communications said there are currently three class cohorts and two bus cohorts isolating and the outbreak is currently impacting approximately 50 people overall.

"Chatham-Kent Public Health is working closely with the school community and is contacting any individuals (students and staff) who may have been in potential contact with the virus," said a school statement on the school's web page. "The health and safety of students and staff are the top priorities for the LKDSB [Lambton-Kent District School Board]. The LKDSB takes all probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 seriously and follows the directions of Public Health regarding communication of confirmed cases. LKDSB also ensures all necessary health and safety protocols, such as closure of classrooms and deep cleaning, are implemented."

Families are being encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the health and safety protocols in place to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, including completing the daily school screening assessment tool.

"Together, we will continue to support a safe operation of schools," the statement from the school said.

Chatham-Kent Public Health and Lambton Public Health said they will only call close contacts of confirmed cases and if you have not been contacted, you have not been in close contact with a confirmed case. Parents and guardians are being asked to continue to monitor their child for symptoms of COVID-19 and if their child is ill, to keep them at home and call a health care provider or local health unit.

Another outbreak at an unidentified place of worship continues. Public health officials also reported 38 new cases on Monday and 25 resolved cases for a total number of 103 active cases. There is also one local COVID-19 patient in the hospital.

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