Second Woodstock school closes due to COVID-19 outbreak, staffing concerns

An elementary school in Woodstock, Ont. is closing after several COVID-19 cases were identified, some of which screened positive for a variant of concern.

At least eight confirmed COVID-19 cases affecting both staff and students across multiple classrooms prompted thetemporary closure ofSt. Patrick's Catholic Elementary School effectiveimmediately, aspokesperson for the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) said in a statement Saturday.

"With roughly two-thirds of the school's 350-plusstudents and staff self-isolating, as well as the ongoing teacher andeducational assistantshortage, the school board was forced to make thisdifficult decision due to health and well-being as well as operational concerns," saidspokesperson Mark Adkinson.

St. Patrick's is the second school in the region to shutter due to an outbreak. St.Michael's CatholicElementary School was ordered to close last week when three cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, with a fourth case that screened positive for a variant.

St. Patrick's will be closed until at least March 28, Adkinson said. In the meantime, students will continue learning remotely.

"At thecurrent time, it is anticipated that in-personclasses will resume for many students on March 29. Other staff and studentswill return to theschool once their period of self-isolation is over if itextends beyond March 29," he said.

Southwestern Public Healthis looking intothe cases and will be providingadvice andsupport to the school community.

The health unit reported19 newCOVID-19 cases on Friday, the last day itsdata was updated. The health unit had 66 active cases at that time.