Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported at two Brock Township schools in recent days.

An outbreak – defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases where at least one could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school setting – has been declared at McCaskill’s Mills Public School in Cannington.

According to an email home to parents on Wednesday (Dec. 8), the outbreak is limited to one school bus.

“Those identified as close contacts have been isolating at home and will be contacted by Public Health. Staff and students who were not dismissed from school are deemed low risk and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,” the email from Principal Nicky Locker reads.

According to the Durham District School Board’s website, two classes/cohorts at the school have been closed.

In addition to the outbreak at McCaskill’s Mills, one case has been reported at Brock High School.

“As directed by Durham Region Health Department, we have dismissed the individuals who were known to have been in close contact with the person who is ill during their infectious period,” the letter, which is dated Dec. 7,” reads an email to parents from Brock High School Principal James Klodnicki.

“The Durham Region Health Department has directed that students in four classes must self-isolate for 10 days.”

The email notes that impacted students, who are in the process of being formally contacted, are not able to return to school until cleared by the health department.

“Staff and students who were not dismissed from school are deemed low risk and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,” it reads.

The school will remain open.

“Brock High School has continued to undertake and complete enhanced clearning and disinfection practices approved by the health department in the impacted classrooms and will remain open. No further action has been recommended at this time,” the email reads.

“We will continue to take direction from the Durham Region Health Department and will provide further updates to the school community if they deem it necessary. Again, no further action has been recommended at this time and Brock High School will remain open.”