School District 69 (Qualicum) is cautioning members of its community about a new case of COVID-19 linked to a facility in Parskville.
According to a letter sent by the district to parents, staff, and students, a new case has been reported in an individual who attends Oceanside Elementary School.
SD69 says the date of possible exposure was Monday, March 1.
“Island Health staff have initiated contact tracing to identify individuals needing to self-isolate or self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. All contact tracing is expected to be concluded by the end of day March 5, 2021, and all members of the École Oceanside Elementary School community will have received direct communication from the school,” reads a statement from the district.
Oceanside Elementary School was added to Island Health’s Exposure in Schools list earlier this week, with possible exposures on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26.
The Parksville school is one of 13 total facilities currently on the exposure list.
The school district is emphasizing that anyone who has not received a phone call from public health officials can continue to attend school and is being advised to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
Island Health notes that if a parent or guardian sees a notification on the health authority’s school exposure site, it does not necessarily mean their child has been exposed to COVID-19.
Island Health outlines that Public Health members work with the school and school district to ensure close contacts are notified directly and provided specific guidance.
Graham Cox
