COVID-19 exposures
UPDATED Nov. 4: Interior Health (IH) has notified School District 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap that there were positive COVID-19 exposures at Jackson, M.V. Beattie, and Carlin schools. IH has determined no further action is required at this time.
UPDATED Nov. 3: Interior Health has notified School District 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap that there were COVID-19 exposures at Hillcrest Elementary on Oct. 25-26 & 29 with one class having to self-isolate until Nov. 9 (originally Nov. 5). Two other classes are required to self-monitor until Nov. 9.
The extension is necessary because there has been another confirmed positive case of COVID-19, with the person at the school on Oct. 29.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 2, the class which is required to self-isolate has moved to learning from home for this isolation period. Staff used Monday, Nov. 1 to prepare materials to enable the transition.
When there is an exposure, Interior Health will directly notify confirmed close contacts of the positive case with further instructions, including if they should self-isolate or self-monitor for symptoms of illness. If you are contacted by Interior Health, or receive a self-isolation/self-monitor letter, it is imperative that you follow their direction carefully. The most important thing for students and families to remember is that students who have any symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and get tested.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever/chills, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell. Most people experience only mild disease.A small number of people may experience a more moderate to severe illness requiring hospitalization.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. It may also be spread by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
The Board of Education of School District No. 83 is committed to ensuring all of our students, staff and schools are safe. Please use all the layers of protection available to you.