Canyon Meadows School principal, others in quarantine after contact tests positive for COVID-19

Canyon Meadows School in southwest Calgary was to open as planned on Tuesday, but the principal and two other staff members were in quarantine after someone tested positive for COVID-19.

Officials at the kindergarten to Grade 5 schoolsent a letter to parents on Monday confirming the case, and stating that in-person classes would go ahead as planned on Tuesday.

In adherence to Alberta Health Services (AHS)protocols, the school principal, assistant principal and an administrative secretary are now in 14-day quarantineafter they being identified through contact tracing as close contacts to theconfirmed case, the school said.

"Our school remains open to in-person learning for all students and we are excited for the first day of school," principal Bobbie Schmidtsaid in the letter.

The letter did not state whether the individual who tested positive is school staff, or is connected to the school in some other way.

School officials said in the letter that they believe the exposure happened on Aug. 25.

"We have worked closely with AHS to ensure necessary measures continue to be in place to protect all staff and students," the letter read in part.

"This includes cleaning and disinfecting all items touched by the individual and removing and storing items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected (paper, books, etc.) in a sealed container for a minimum of 10 days. Our facilities staff has also conducted extended disinfecting of necessary spaces."

AHS has contacted all possible close contacts for this case, the letter said.

CBE, AHSdirect CBC to each other for comment

The Calgary Board of Educationconfirmed via emailthat a letter was sent to parentsbut directed the CBCto contact AHS for further details.

"I can confirm that a letter went home to parents at Canyon Meadows School," a CBE spokesperson wrote.

"AHS is the point of contact for all questions regarding positive cases, so please reach out to them for more information."

However, Alberta Health spokespersonSherene Khaw said in an email that CBCNews should contactthe school board, instead.

"It would be best to check directly with that school board as I do not currently have information on an outbreak," Khaw wrote.

"Please also note that the outbreak list on the website is scheduled to be updated tomorrow, and then again on Friday."

AHS has previously said that active outbreaks are reported after two cases at a seniors home, or five or more caseswith a common exposure such as attendingthesame facility, community gathering, dinner party or workplace.