5 new COVID-19 cases in Central Okanagan school district

Central Okanagan Public Schools says there have been new cases of COVID-19 at five schools.

Interior Health confirmed yesterday, Nov. 25, in a media release that members of the following school communities tested positive for COVID-19:

• George Pringle Elementary, single confirmed case
• Springvalley Middle School, single confirmed case
• Central School (Central Programs and Services, Richter Site), single confirmed case
• Kelowna Secondary School, single confirmed case
• Rutland Senior Secondary, single confirmed case

READ MORE: COVID-19 case confirmed at West Kelowna elementary school

The individuals are self-isolating at home with support from local public health teams, according to the school district's press release. Interior Health follows up with anyone potentially exposed to a confirmed case directly through contact tracing.

Central Okanagan Public Schools will continue to implement the strict health and safety protocols and procedures that are in place so students and staff can continue to attend school as safely as possible.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said cases in schools reflect cases in the community.

According to Interior Health, 11 Central Okanagan schools have had COVID-19 exposures within the last two weeks.

A new exposure was also recently reported at Salmon Arm Secondary, Sullivan Campus. The individual was on campus on Nov. 17 and 18.

Central Okanagan Public Schools will continue to work closely with Interior Health to determine if any additional actions are required, and to support ongoing communication to each school community that experiences an exposure. 

The school district reminds people to stay home from school if they show any symptoms.

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