At least three Greater Saint John schools are reporting a case of COVID-19 or possible exposure to the virus.
The Department of Education said a positive case has been confirmed at Simonds High School in Saint John and Hampton Middle School.
A possible exposure to the virus has also been confirmed at Harbour View High School in Saint John.
Danielle Elliott, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, said in an email Saturday evening that the school communities have been notified.
“School staff will contact affected families with more information should there be any impacts on learning,” said Elliott. “School and district staff will follow any advice that may be provided by regional Public Health authorities.”
Elliott said no further comment would be provided in an effort to protect the privacy of those involved.
Jessica Hanlon, a spokesperson for the Anglophone South School District, directed our questions to the Department of Education and Public Health.
Public Health has not yet responded to our request for comment.
According to a letter sent to parents and guardians, the schools are working with Public Health to identify and students and staff who may have been in contact with the case.
“Public Health officials will contact you if your child has been in close contact with the confirmed case and will tell you if your child needs to self-isolate,” said the letter. “If you are not contacted by Public Health officials, your child can continue to attend school.”
Meanwhile, the University of New Brunswick announced Saturday that members of its Saint John campus may have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.
“New Brunswick Public Health has verified that the individuals in question are in self-isolation and are being closely monitored,” the university said in a statement.
“New Brunswick Public Health will identify and notify all individuals who may be have been exposed to confirmed cases.”
The university said only those who have been contacted directly by Public Health are considered to have been exposed.
The news comes the same day that health officials announced 16 new cases of COVID-19 in the Saint John health region, where both schools are located.
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