COVID-19 outbreak declared at Cobblestone Elementary School

The Brant County Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Cobblestone Elementary School in Paris.

The Ministry of Education defines an outbreak as two or more lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in school with an epidemiological link, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection at the school.

The Grand Erie District School Board says the first case of the virus at Cobblestone was identified Thursday afternoon.

News of the second case came Thursday night.

The board says it will not identify the individuals who tested positive for privacy reasons.

The two people and any family members who reside in the same household have been instructed to self-isolate.

Students and staff identified as close contacts were asked to stay home on Friday.

Public health officials will be in contact with them over the next day or two to do contact tracing.

“All Cobblestone students and staff are asked to monitor their health,” said Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Acting Medical Officer of Health.

“As we would advise any member of our community, if symptoms consistent with COVID-19 develop, please isolate immediately and seek assessment for testing.”

The board says custodians disinfected the school overnight and the school remains open for those not required to self-isolate.

The school has more than 500 students in kindergarten through grade 8.