Absenteeism is up among staff and students at Central Algoma Secondary School

As part of their active monitoring of absenteeism, Central Algoma Secondary School has reported an increase in absences in students and staff, that they say could be due to COVID-19.

APH is working with the school to make sure COVID-19 prevention measures are in place, and is reminding families to follow public health guidelines.

For more information, please see the letter from Central Algoma Secondary School included below.

This letter is to inform you that, as part of the active monitoring of absenteeism, Central Algoma Secondary School has reported an increase in absenteeism in students and staff. Based on local epidemiology and the transmissibility of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, absences could be due in part to COVID-19. Algoma Public Health (APH) continues to work with the school community to review and strengthen COVID-19 prevention measures, as needed. APH and the school community will continue to work together to monitor the situation.

Parents and guardians of children play an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in schools, which in turn helps prevent disruption of in-person learning. We appreciated your continued diligence in maintaining the following public health measures for you and your family:

• Actively screen your children using the COVID-19 school and child care screening every morning before school, and keeping your children home from school when advised to do so
• Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 throughout the day, and return home to isolate if symptoms appear
• Stay home and follow public health guidance on isolation with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• If anyone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19, assume they may have the virus and may be contagious. Isolate immediately. Isolating will help stop the spread of the virus. This is particularly important to prevent the transmission of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
• Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 when eligible. Clinic dates and times can be found on the APH website COVID- 19 Vaccine Clinics in Algoma
• Wearing a properly fitted face covering, that covers the nose, mouth, and chin
• Maintaining physical distancing of 2 metres with those you do not live with
• Practicing regular hand hygiene by washing with soap and water when available, or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer

Vaccination is the number one thing we can do to keep ourselves and our children safe from COVID-19, wherever they are and whatever they are doing. APH is encouraging everyone who is eligible, to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals who are fully vaccinated are less likely to become ill, have severe illness, hospitalization, or death caused by COVID-19. Visit COVID-19: Children aged 5-11 and/or to learn more and find a vaccine clinic COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in Algoma.

APH would like to thank all parents and guardians for their continued partnership in keeping our schools safe. For more information on COVID-19, please visit APH COVID-19 Case and Contact Management Guide.