Hamilton schools report one outbreak, 14 new COVID-19 cases

Fourteen more people at Hamilton schools have tested positive for COVID-19, and one school has declared an outbreak.

On Monday and Tuesday, Hamilton's school boards reported 13 students and one staff member have tested positive in several locations across the city.

Twelve of the cases are at public schools, including three at R.A. Riddell Elementary School.

An outbreak was declared at Dr. Davey Elementary School following two cases reported on Dec. 7 and Dec. 11.

The school has said public health determined a link between the cases and that at least one of the people infected could have contracted it in the school.

The school remains open and safe within the context of our enhanced public health measures. An outbreak designation does not mean the school is closed," principal Mary Finstad wrote in a letter to families on Monday.

The school continues to be safe with the enhanced public health measures in place for staff and students to learn and work."

Two more student cases were also reported at Waterdown District High School and Lisgar Elementary School on Monday.

Other schools that reported new cases include Ryerson, Earl Kitchener, Spring Valley, Huntington Park and Gordon Price Elementary School.

In the Catholic school board, one student case was reported at St. Jean de Brebeuf and one staff case was reported at St. Thomas More.

School administrators say they have notified impacted families and staff members who are identified as a close contact.

Jacob Lorinc's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows him to report on stories about education.