Western Health has set up COVID testing for students and staff at Stephenville Primary School regardless of whether or not they have COVID symptoms.

The testing is part of efforts to determine whether or not there has been any COVID transmission in the school.

Those arranging for testing are asked to complete the online self-assessment tool or call 811. When asked whether you require a COVID-19 test as a result of an advisory from Public Health, select “YES.”

The primary and middle schools in Stephenville were closed today as a precautionary measure due to what school officials say was a possible exposure.

Other facilities in Stephenville are closed as a precaution against the potential spread of COVID-19 in the area. The food bank and the town hall are also closed, and a performance at the Stephenville Arts and Culture Centre tonight has been cancelled.

Mayor Tom Rose says there’s a lot of anxiety among the public and that contact has been made with Western Health about the situation. He says the town has its fingers crossed that Western Health has a handle on the issue.

Mayor Rose, who has already gotten his first dose of the vaccine, told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daley that they do not yet know the origin of the infectious case. He says Public Health is still investigating.

He says if there’s a silver lining, this should cause people to get their vaccine without hesitation.