The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU), says in addition to the one high school student who previously tested positive for COVID-19, two additional high school students at Valour High School in Petawawa have tested positive for COVID-19.
All staff and/or students who have been deemed to be close contacts of the positive cases, have been given direction to immediately self-isolate and arrange for testing. Valour High School remains open for in-person learning.
The RCDHU is working closely with the school board to ensure necessary measures continue to be in place to protect all staff and the public.
The health unit is actively investigating the cases and all high risk contacts will be contacted for further instructions.
Other recent cases have been reported at Herman Street Public School in Petawawa and Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke.
If you are a high risk contact:
You MUST self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days. Do NOT return to work, school or child care, in-person;
Call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 to book an appointment for testing;
If test result is negative, continue 14-day isolation because of exposure and because COVID-19 could have been developing (incubating) at time of test;
If test result is positive, continue to self-isolate and you will be contacted by RCDHU.
If you have been directed to self-isolate, you are required to:
- Stay home. Do not go to work, school, child care, or public places. You can go outside, but you must stay on your own property. Do not walk around the neighbourhood.
- Avoid contact with others. No visitors unless deemed essential (e.g. care providers), stay in a separate room away from other people within your household, use a separate bathroom if possible.
- If these steps are not possible, maintain a distance of 2 metres from others at all times.
- Keep your distance. If you are in a room with other people, keep a distance of at least 2 metres and wear a mask or face covering that covers your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The RCDHU is reminding residents to complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and child care self-assessment tool daily if you go to work, school or daycare, to monitor for symptoms and proper guidance.
