Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

The school division was notified by Alberta Health Services (AHS) late Monday of a case at Willow Creek Composite high school in Claresholm.The Livingstone Range School Division has confirmed a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Willow Creek Composite High School.
The division announced on Oct. 27 that it was notified by Alberta Health Services late Monday and the school is working with Alberta Health Services to provide contact tracing.
In compliance with public health guidelines, the affected individual and all close contacts will be required to self-isolate according to Alberta Health Services guidelines.
This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Livingstone Range School Division, although senior administration and school administrators have been preparing for months.
“We have an excellent plan in place for handling a case such as this,” said Superintendent Darryl Seguin in a news release. “When we received the call from AHS, our COVID-19 rapid response plan was enacted to ensure that staff, students, and families were informed and all necessary protocols were in place.”

The rapid response plan includes communication, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing at the affected school, and ensuring continuity of learning for the students through online learning with their teachers.
The 26 students and three staff affected at Willow Creek Composite High School will continue their work from home until they are able to resume in-person classes at the school.
“Our thoughts are with this individual and we wish them a speedy recovery,” said Lori Hodges, chair of the Livingstone Range School Division board of trustees. “We are grateful to our administrators, staff, and students at WCCHS who contribute to a safe and healthy learning environment and take care of one another by following public health guidelines.”

For more information about COVID-19 precautions and response to confirmed cases or outbreaks, see the ​2020-21 school re-entry plan​ at www.lrsd.ca.