Some parents of students at Macdonald Drive Elementary in St. John’s are being notified after two students recently tested positive for COVID-19.

The English School District says those considered close contacts have been advised to get tested and in some cases, to self-isolate.

The school board has been advised that the school can remain open under “low risk” protocols.

Students or staff who have not received a public health notification are not considered to be a close contact.

Continuity of learning plans and Chromebooks are being provided to students who have been advised by Public Health to self-isolate.

The full statement from the school district can be seen below:

“As with other isolated cases of positive Covid-19 cases in school communities, Public Health has provided the District with information which we have, in turn, provided to those who may be directly impacted. At Macdonald Drive Elementary, as with any school where a case(s) has been confirmed, those considered close contacts have been advised to get tested and, in some cases, to self-isolate. 

If a staff member or student did not receive Public Health notification, they are not considered a close contact. 

As always, the school is providing continuity of learning plans and/or loaning out Chromebooks for students advised to self isolate by Public Health.

Meanwhile, student and staff safety is always the District’s top priority. We have been assured by Public Health that, at this time, the school can remain open under ‘low risk’ protocols as outlined in the Back to School Plan and the accompanying Infographic (except for masking for Grades 4+ as per the Sept. 18 Public Health Special Measures Order). If that advice changes, we will adjust as necessary.”

– Statement from Newfoundland and Labrador English School District