The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has advised the Good Spirit School Division (GSSD) that individuals at Kamsack Comprehensive Institute (KCI) have tested positive for COVID-19. In a message to families, Quentin Robertson, Director of Education/CEO, reported that the GSSD is working closely with Public Health staff to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students and staff. Public Health will be contacting the parents and guardians of students, as well as any staff, visitors, or volunteers who may have been in close contact with the cases and will provide direction.
To minimize further risk of transmission, GSSD, in collaboration with Public Health, have made the decision that all students in Grades 5-12 be moved to remote learning. As a result, all classes were cancelled on Monday, March 8 to provide staff with the time required for the transition to remote learning. Students began remote learning on March 9. Remote learning instruction details were shared with KCI families by the staff.
Robertson stated that classes will tentatively resume face-to-face on Monday, March 22, based on the advice of the Local Medical Health Officer.
Children who required a device for remote learning purposes were encouraged to contact the KCI school administration.
In a message to families, Robertson ensured that the GSSD facility has been upholding cleaning and disinfecting protocols at the school, and has confirmed this practice will continue.
The GSSD would like to remind anyone entering schools to monitor for signs of COVID-19 and refer to the Daily Self-Assessment Checklist. Also, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has shared a COVID-19 and Seasonal Allergy Fact Sheet. If any students or family members have symptoms of COVID-19, they are encouraged to call Healthline at 8-1-1 and remain at home. Public Health encourages all students and staff to remain at home when showing the slightest symptoms of COVID-19.
Kamsack residents who experience symptoms can access testing at the drive-through at 276 Myrtle Avenue in Yorkton. You may be tested without an appointment between the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Ensure that you have your Health Card with you. Children under the age of 18 will need verbal consent from a parent or guardian. You may also call 8-1-1 for a referral to the testing site in Kamsack.
For further information regarding COVD-19, please call Health Line at 8-1-1 or visit the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.
