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Eighth northern B.C. school potentially exposed to COVID-19 in Fort Nelson

Municipality's secondary school has possible exposure dates of Oct. 15 and 16
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
Fort Nelson Secondary School
Fort Nelson Secondary School. (via File photo)

COVID-19 is making its way further north in B.C.

Fort Nelson Secondary School is now the eighth institution recorded by Northern Health for potential exposure to the virus since regional students returned to the classrooms in September.

According to the authority, the School District 81 (SD81) facility was possibly exposed Oct. 15 and 16.

It's the first school in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) listed.

As of this publication, there have been 383 positive tests for COVID-19 since the pandemic reached northern B.C. in March, including 11 active cases, three deaths and 369 recoveries.

Northern Health's school-exposure section explains students should still go to school "if you do not receive a phone call or letter from Public Health," but you're also encouraged to monitor symptoms daily.

Should a student or teacher receive a positive COVID-19 test, Northern Heath's school notification process is as follows:

  • Contact tracing is initiated to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with
  • We identify and notify close contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days
  • Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact
    • Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact
  • Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community

The seven other schools Northern Health listed for the virus are as follows:

  • Notre Dame School (Private) - Oct. 13-14, 2020
  • Prince George Secondary School (SD57) - Oct. 2, 2020
  • Dawson Creek Secondary School - South Peace Campus (SD59) - Sept. 23-25, 2020
  • David Hoy Elementary School (SD91) - Sept. 17-18, 2020
  • Quesnel Junior Secondary School (SD28) - Sept. 10-11, 15-18, 2020
  • Nak’albun Elementary School (Independent) - Sept. 16-18, 2020
  • Ecole Frank Ross Elementary School (SD59) - Sept. 10-11, 2020