Public health reverses COVID-19 outbreaks at two Hamilton schools after false positives found

Hamilton public health has reversed COVID-19 outbreaks at two Hamilton schools - a public elementary and a Catholic secondary - after individuals received incorrect test results.

In a release on Thursday, the Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program (HRLMP) said 14 individuals received incorrect results due to a processing error" at the lab.

Two of the false positives played a role" in outbreaks at Lisgar Elementary School on the Mountain and Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in Hannon.

We sincerely apologize for the impact on those who have received incorrect test results and for the disruptive impact to the schools," said Dr. Marek Smieja, HRLMP's interim chief.

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