Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
School District No. 53 has reported a COVID-19 exposure event relating to Oliver Elementary School (OES).
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young confirmed that a member of the OES community has tested positive for the virus and is self-isolating at home with support.
Young said the exposure dates were February 17 and 18.
She noted the district is supporting Interior Health (IH) as they undertake contact tracing to determine if any other members of the school community were in contact with the person who tested positive for the virus.
“I would like to thank Interior Health for their very quick turnaround allowing us to communicate with staff and families in a timely manner,” Young said.
The superintendent said students should continue to attend school while contact tracing is underway. She reminds parents to continue their daily health checks to monitor their children for illness.
Young stated the school continues to implement strict COVID-19 protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of all students.
Prior to the winter break, both secondary schools in Oliver and Osoyoos had exposure events. But Young said all previous exposures in the district have been resolved.
Interior Health told the Times-Chronicle that it identifies potential exposure events on its school exposure page.
It notes that students who are not contacted directly about a possible exposure can attend school.
“While we are seeing cases in schools, transmission is not happening within the schools themselves, thanks to the controlled environments and precautions that are in place,” Interior Health said.
