![COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1624893798/elmwoodonca/xbursqe0joimzgmwvfis/Announcement.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1624893798/elmwoodonca/xbursqe0joimzgmwvfis/Announcement.png","width":314}])
Our daily screening practices and our community’s cooperation and commitment are our first lines of defence in guarding against transmission of the COVID-19 virus in our school. In the event of a positive case, the following provides an outline of communications procedures that families can expect:
- Immediately upon notification of the positive case, Elmwood will notify those we assess as close contacts. All close contacts should follow the guidelines provided by Ottawa Public Health, even if they have not been contacted directly by OPH yet. Student close contacts will be able to join At-Home Learning immediately should they be required to isolate. Note: Fully vaccinated students who are asymptomatic are not required to isolate.
- Once close contacts have been notified, other members of the immediate school community (either Junior School or Middle Senior School) will be informed. For the purposes of contact notification, Ottawa Public Health considers the Junior School and Middle Senior School as separate sites.
- Following the initial notification, Elmwood will provide regular updates as available to close contacts. This includes, once the risk assessment has been initiated with Ottawa Public Health and any updates we receive along the way until close contacts are contacted by Ottawa Public Health directly. Currently, with a backlog of cases, it can take OPH 2-3 days to contact affected families.
Should you have any questions about COVID-19 or isolation requirements, the most efficient channel is health@elmwood.ca. Our Health and Safety team actively manages this email account and is responsive and thorough in providing timely and up-to-date information.