Individual associated with Pinewood Public School tests positive for COVID-19

A person associated with Pinewood Public School locally has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Algoma District School Board confirmed the news in a release issued Thursday evening.

Algoma Public Health has issued letters to those considered low-risk and high-risk contacts.

"At this time, APH is conducting a careful investigation to identify close contacts," the release states. "Examples of close contacts include household members, people who have been in direct physical contact or belong to the same classroom/cohort, and people who have spent more than 15 minutes together within two metres or six feet of each other, such as while sharing a meal. Brief interactions, like walking past someone in a hallway are not generally considered close contact situations. APH will notify all low risk and high risk contacts via letter to provide further guidance and direction."

The release goes on to state that if families do not receive a letter, their child is not considered a close contact of the person who tested positive.

In that case, APH "does not recommend having their child tested unless they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.