Public Health reporting additional COVID-19 exposure at HERH

MILFORD: In an email to families on Nov. 15, Hants East Rural High (HERH) advised that Public Health is reporting an additional COPVID-19 exposure at the Milford-based school. It adds to exposures that were reported over the past five or six days.

This exposure is reported to have occurred on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9. The email home said it may be the result of transmission (spread) in the school setting. Enhanced Measures remain in place for the school.

“We are continuing to work closely with the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education and the school to make sure all steps are taken to protect students and staff,” the letter said.

Public Health is not recommending the school be closed at this time, the letter said.

Enhanced measures for HERH, according to the province’s school exposure list link, includes:

• Non-essential visitors, including parents/guardians will not be allowed into the building. This includes the use of our gymnasium by outside groups.
• There will be a limit to extra-curricular activities, including field trips.
• Movement within the building and among classes will be minimized.
• Enhanced cleaning will take place every evening and on the weekend.

Public Health will continue to:
• Identify and send a letter to anyone who may have been exposed as a close contact.
• If you are identified as a close contact, Public Health will follow up with you directly by text.

The letter says Public Health previously recommended that everyone in the school community book a PCR COVID-19 test and carefully watch for COVID-19 symptoms. If you have not yet booked a PCR COVID-19 test, please arrange testing as soon as possible. You do not need to isolate unless you have symptoms.

If symptoms develop, please stay home and complete the online assessment at https://covid-selfassessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811 if you don’t have access to the internet.
Anyone with the following new symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR COVID-19 test (link
above):
• A new or worsening cough
OR two or more of the following:
• Fever (chills, sweats)
• Runny nose/nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
Keep following public health guidelines to help lower the spread of the virus:
• Wear your mask in all indoor spaces, as required.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Complete the online assessment (link above) for new or worsening symptom.