Confirmed COVID case prompts closure of Blind River Public School

In a noticed issued yesterday to students and staff, the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) advised that Blind River Public School would be closed today to all students and staff.

The closure is "due to the ongoing COVID investigation with Algoma Public Health and two additional classes at the school being dismissed," the notice said.

Algoma Public Health (APH) confirmed a case of COVID-19 related to the school on Tuesday.

"Algoma Public Health is advising you that as part of the COVID-19 exposure investigation initiated on Feb. 2, 2021, an individual associated with Blind River Public School has tested positive for COVID-19," states a letter issued by APH yesterday. "We recognize that receiving this information may be stressful. The actions taken on Feb. 2 were proactive as part of the COVID-19 exposure investigation."

"At this time, other precautions are also being implemented, including dismissal of additional classes that maybe affected by this exposure," the letter continues. "APH will be reaching out to all affected families."

An update from APH regarding the status of Blind River Public School is expected today.