Outbreak Declared At Bengough School

A COVID - 19 outbreak has been declared by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) at Bengough School. Bengough School is part of the Prairie South School Division (PSSD).

The outbreak at Bengough School was declared - according to the Province’s web-site - on April 21st.

Bengough School is a grade K - 12 school located in Bengough, Saskatchewan. Bengough is about 145 kilometers southeast of Moose Jaw.

In a letter sent out to parents on April 24th from Bengough School principal Theresa Mooney wrote “several individuals” at the school had been diagnosed with COVID - 19.

Parents are told that as a preventative measure both the Grade 11/12 and Grade 9/10 students have been placed in self-isolation for the next two weeks - the move was made in consultation with public health officials.

The letter also advises parents that Public Health will be contacting parents/guardians and any staff/visitors or volunteers who have been in close contact with the case. Parents/Guardians who are NOT contacted by Public Health means that they have not likely been exposed due to the preventative measures that are in place.

The letter also advises for students to self monitor to ensure they have not contracted COVID - 19 and if there are symptoms to contact the 811 health line for more information including being tested.

The full text of the letter is below.

A declaration of an outbreak does not necessarily mean that there is any danger to the community but it is declared as part of the Public Health Order enacted under the Province’s Declared State of Emergency. All outbreaks are posted on the Province’s web-site.

The SHA defines an outbreak as two people contracting COVID - 19 in the same place away from the home at the same time or over a period of time. The final determination is made by public health officials.

Outbreaks remain listed until officially declared over by an SHA Medical Health Officer. Generally, outbreaks would be declared after there were no new cases and two full incubation periods from the last individual who started having symptoms. For COVID-19 outbreaks, this would be 28 days (2 incubation periods of 14 days) after the last individuals started showing symptoms.

The Province continues to recommend people take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID - 19 by proper physical distancing, proper handwashing, wearing masks in public places and when a two meter distance cannot be maintained between others and staying home when you are sick, even if the symptoms are mild.

At the present time the wearing of non-medical face masks that cover both the mouth and nose as well as a minimum two metre spacing between individuals are two of the mandatory orders issued by the Province.

The Province also encourages those feeling ill to stay home and call the Healthline at 811.

At present there are two active outbreaks in PSSD schools.

The other active outbreak declared by the SHA at a PSSD school is Cornerstone Christian School in Moose Jaw on March 21st.