13 Coquitlam-area schools alerted for COVID-19 exposure

More than a dozen Coquitlam-area schools currently on Fraser Health's COVID-19 exposure list

There are 13 schools alerted for potential exposure to the virus, three of which were reported as recently as last Tuesday (Oct. 26).

MinnekhadaScottCreekWaltonSD43COVID-19Exposures

[From top to bottom] Minnekhada Middle, Scott Creek Middle and Walton Elementary are the latest SD43 schools to be listed for a COVID-19 exposure event as of Nov. 2, 2021.Google Maps/Facebook/Mario Bartel/Edited by Kyle Balzer, Tri-City News

There's been a slight uptick in regional school exposures to COVID-19 since last the Tri-City News last reported on the list.

As of this publication (Nov. 2), 13 schools are under the watchful eye of Fraser Health for an exposure event(s).

This means students and staff may have come into contact with someone who recently tested positive for the virus, and includes eight schools in Port Coquitlam, four in Coquitlam and one in Port Moody.

You can view the full list of school exposures at the bottom of this article.

There are three schools alerted for an exposure event as recently as last Tuesday (Oct. 26): Minnekhada Middle, Scott Creek Middle and Walton Elementary.

Each institution is a member of School District 43 (SD43).

If a Tri-City student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, public health says it follows rigorous steps as outlined below:

Public health will investigate to determine if there were any potential close contacts within the school
If it is determined that there are close contacts within the school, public health will notify the school administrators and request information to assist with contact tracing and provide guidance on what steps should be taken
Public health may then:
- Recommend 14-day self-isolation if necessary
- Recommend self-monitoring for symptoms if necessary
- Provide follow-up recommendations if necessary
Schools will ensure students who are required to self-isolate are able to continue their educational program. Together, schools and public health officials will determine if any other actions are necessary
Parents, caregivers and families will be notified by public health if their child is determined to be a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person

Fraser Health adds if you don't receive a phone call or letter from public health, children can continue to go to school but they should also be monitored for COVID-19 symptoms daily.