COVID-19 outbreaks declared at four Ottawa schools, 49 schools with cases
Ontario's education minister insists the government will do "anything and everything" required to ensure children remain in school this fall.
Just weeks into the school year, COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared at four Ottawa French language schools. On Friday, Ottawa Public Health reported a COVID-19 outbreak at École élémentaire catholique Franco-Cite.
As of Friday, there are active COVID-19 cases at 49 schools in Ottawa's four school boards, involving students and staff.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce told CTV News Ottawa that the province has spent more than $600 million on upgrades to ventilation in schools. Lecce also wouldn't rule out additional funding to keep kids in school.
"If it is recommended to elevate our already cautious protocol, I'm comfortable doing so," said Lecce, adding he is in constant communication with Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
"We stand ready to do anything and everything required of us to ensure your child can remain in school and remain safe."
Lecce says mandatory masking, enhanced cleaning, new ventilation systems and screening for students and staff every day will help keep everyone safe in schools.
However, one medical expert says it is important to watch what is happening outside of schools.
"There's activity in the schools we're going to expect it," said Dr. Doug Manuel of the Ottawa Hospital. "Those cases will mimic what we see in the community. The question is will that transmission continue in schools."
Ottawa Public Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at four schools. The schools are:
- École élémentaire catholique de la Découverte – Two student cases
- École élémentaire publique Michaëlle-Jean – Four student cases
- École élémentaire catholique Marius-Barbeau – One student case, one staff case
- École élémentaire catholique Franco-Cite (Ottawa Public Health provided no details on the outbreak. The CECCE says there are five cases at the school, and seven classes are in isolation)
According to data posted on school board websites, COVID-19 cases have been reported at 49 schools across Ottawa.
COVID-19 CASES BY SCHOOL BOARD
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Last updated Sept. 17, 2021
- Active student cases: 15
- Active staff cases: 5
- Total classes closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Total cohorts closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Total schools closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Schools with active cases: eight elementary, eight secondary schools
Ottawa Catholic School Board
Last updated Sept. 17, 2021
- Active student cases: 16
- Active staff cases: 2
- Total classes closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Total cohorts closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Total schools closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Schools with active cases: Seven secondary schools, seven elementary schools
Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario
Last updated Sept. 17, 2021
- Active student cases: 6
- Active staff cases: 0
- Total classes closed due to COVID-19: 4
- Total cohorts closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Total schools closed due to COVID-19: 0
- Schools with active cases: Three secondary schools, one elementary school
(Thirteen COVID-19 cases within CEPEO schools have been resolved)
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Last updated Sept. 17, 2021
- Active cases*: 27
- Total classes in isolation due to COVID-19: 41
- Partial school closures due to COVID-19: 3
- Schools closed due to full COVID-19 outbreak: 0
- Schools with active cases: 15 schools
*NOTE: The CECCE does not differentiate cases between students and staff.
(14 cases within CECCE schools have been resolved)
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Christina Succi
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.