The Current has seen a letter sent to parents and guardians of students at Palmer Rapids Public School yesterday, Jan.28, from principal Jude Kelley advising that “a case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in a bus driver that operates a bus for our school.” Ms. Kelley explains that Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) will contact “only those individuals who have been in close contact with the positive COVID-19 individual. If you are not directly contacted by the RCDHU then your child is not a close contact and should not be at increased risk from COVID-19.”
The letter reminds parents, guardians, students, visitors, volunteers and staff must strictly adhere to RCDHU guidelines by self-monitoring for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and to complete a self-assessment daily.
Continue to be vigilant says Dr. Robert Cushman
The principal’s letter repeats the advice given last evening from Renfrew County and District Acting Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Cushman. In his live video message on YouTube, Dr. Cushman pointed out that RCDHU saw a spike in cases over the holiday period but that the situation has since improved. Dr. Cushman told viewers that RCDHU statistics show that only about 7 percent of the total number of cases were in schools. He asked that students and teachers “Be very careful during their recreational time, during lunch, during recess.”
Clarion message for those under 40 years old
Speaking of the ages of COVID-19 cases in RCDHU, Dr. Cushman said, “Some 55 percent of our total cases since the beginning are folks under the age of 40.” He went on, “Here’s a clarion message. First of all we had a death in southwestern Ontario of a 19-year-old. So it can happen to anybody.”
He ended with this warning: “Let’s not spoil it. And for the younger set who want to get out and party, have fun and see their friends — uh-uh. You’ve got to really behave. Keep this top of mind because we’re not going to see vaccines for the general public until May and for that matter if you’re under 40 you’re going to be last in line. So be careful.”
Editor’s note: The 3 min. 46 sec. video is on YouTube entitled “Dr Cushman – Jan 28, 2021 Vaccine Rollout Update”
photo rcjtc
