A COVID-19 case has been confirmed at a Chilliwack school, but Fraser Health has so far not issued warnings to classmates of the student.
Interim school superintendent of School District 33 confirmed the positive test case late Friday afternoon.
Rohan Arul-pragasam didn’t identify the school in question, but he did send a letter out to all parents in the district about the case.
“We have contacted Fraser Health Authority (FHA) and are awaiting confirmation from FHA and will work with them to determine if there is any risk to other members of our school community or if any additional steps are required,” he wrote. “We will follow the health authority’s guidance.
“The FHA will connect directly with any individuals who may have been exposed with further instructions.”
It’s unclear if the confirmed case is linked to one also confirmed Friday at a local dance academy, but more than one source has told The Chilliwack Progress that it is.
• READ MORE: COVID exposure event at Chilliwack’s Capella Dance Academy
• READ MORE: Weekly COVID-19 case counts continue to rise in Fraser Valley
Citing privacy concerns, Arul-pragasam said he cannot give out any more details.
“The safety and well-being of our students, families and staff remains our highest priority,” he wrote. “Please be reassured that our school district will continue to implement the strict health and safety protocols we have in place so that our children and staff can continue to attend school as safely as possible.
“We ask for patience and we will communicate additional information as it becomes available.”
The Progress, however, was made aware of the school and the class where the student who tested positive. Apparently the young person contacted fellow classmates to inform them of the positive COVID-19 test before noon on Thursday.
A parent of one child in the same class, who The Progress has agreed not to name, is frustrated that she is not being contacted by Fraser Health and given direction about what to do regarding the positive case in her child’s class.
“Meanwhile the onus is on me,” she said. “Follow 811, which says [her child] must isolate for 14 days. Or follow Fraser Health, which says he can go to school until they contact me and say different?”
By 4 p.m. on Friday, the positive test case at the school in question was not listed on Fraser Health’s online list of school exposures.
• READ MORE: Two Chilliwack schools send letters out regarding potential COVID-19 exposures
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