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
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.