Outbreak declared at Hamilton Catholic elementary school as students head back to classroom

An outbreak was declared at a Catholic board school on Monday, days before students returned to classrooms.

Hamilton public health declared an outbreak on Sept. 6 at St. James the Apostle Catholic Elementary School in Stoney Creek. Two staff, last at school on Sept. 2, are infected.

An epidemiological link has been established between the two cases," principal Elena Minicucci said in a Sept. 6 statement.

A school outbreak is defined by the province as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases ... with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school."

Students at both Hamilton's public and Catholic boards headed back to school Sept. 8.

As of Sept. 7, there have been five cases - three staff and two students - reported at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) schools this month.

Bishop Tonnos and St. Thomas More, each with one case, are listed as having one class or cohort closed.

The public board reported two staff cases - one each at Lake Avenue Elementary and Sherwood Secondary - on Sept. 4.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com