A rise in COVID-19 cases has shut down a school on the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation west of London.
Antler River Elementary will be closed until the start of October, the Chippewas of the Thames Board of Education posted to social media Thursday.
"Due to the high absenteeism rate of students and staff reported... for illness and the recommendation from the [Chippewa] Health Centre, the school will close for six days with a reopening date of Monday, October 3, 2022," Joette Lefebvre, the school board's director of lifelong learning, said in a statement. "The board will reassess the planned reopening date on September 29, 2022 should we need to extend the closure."
The school initially closed its doors on Wednesday for what was originally only supposed to be for three days. A day later, parents and guardians of students at Antler River Elementary were urged to contact the Chippewa Health Centre if their child tests positive for COVID-19.
Parents were also told that families would be contacted about learning packages and communication with teachers.
"Please keep in mind that, as has been the case over the past couple of years, protocols can change quickly. As we have throughout the pandemic, the Board of Education will continue to follow the guidance and direction from the Chippewa Health Centre,” Lefebvre said.
When the school does reopen, returning students and staff will be required to wear face coverings and use hand sanitizer. They will also be encouraged to use the provincial COVID-19 screening tool each day before attending school. Those who are ill will be expected to stay home until at least 24 hours after their symptoms have improved.
The increase in COVID-19 cases within the Indigenous community has also prompted Chippewas of the Thames officials to halt all public gatherings and events until Monday.
"Due to the high transmission rates, [health officials] are also strongly advising that during this time, visitors and staff within the First Nation undertake face masking and frequent hand sanitizing protocols. All visitors will be asked to sign in within each of the buildings for contact tracing purposes," read a post on the Chippewas of the Thames Facebook page.
The health centre will be handing out COVID-19 rapid tests, N95 face masks and gloves outside of its facility until 2 p.m. on Friday. In addition to PCR testing on Tuesdays and Thursday, the health centre will also be providing additional testing Friday. Appointments can be booked by calling 519-289-5641.