The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared an outbreak at Sir Arthur Currie Public School.
The health unit announced the outbreak on Monday afternoon after an additional member of the school community tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of cases associated with the school to two.
The first case at the school was reported on October 9.
According to a statement by health officials, the cases appear to be associated with one another.
"Since there is evidence of transmission between these cases, the health unit is declaring an outbreak to help raise further awareness and to limit any further spread of the virus within this school community," said London-Middlesex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie.
Despite the outbreak, the school will remain open. Only those staff and students in classrooms identified as having close contact with the cases will be excluded from attending school.
"The declaration of an outbreak in this situation was a critical step in taking the necessary steps to address the spread of coronavirus within this school community,” Mackie explained. “This is not an indication of widespread illness at the school. All contacts of the cases have been notified directly.”
The health unit will continue to work with the Thames Valley District School Board and its members to provide support to anyone impacted by the outbreak management.
On Monday the health unit also reported a COVID-19 case at Mary Wright Public School in Strathroy.
Health Unit case investigators have determined that the case was at the school during the time they were infectious. Notifications have been sent to parents, guardians and staff of the school community.
“There have been additional reports of COVID-19 positive cases linked to schools this weekend,” said Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers. “These cases underscore the importance of following the public health guidelines that we have been recommending. Wear a mask, limit close contact with anyone outside of the school community to those in your household only, wash your hands and please, stay home when you develop symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19.”
Due to privacy considerations, the Middlesex-London Health Unit will not be disclosing publicly any further details about the case, or the number of close contacts at the school.
