Contact tracing still being conducted in schools, AHS clarifies

By Herald on October 21, 2020.

Alberta Health Services South Zone is clarifying an AHS letter sent out Friday regarding contact tracing in Lethbridge Schools that it now says was inaccurate.

In a series of twitter posts, they indicate that contact tracing is still being conducted by AHS in South Zone for all COVID-19 close contacts including school-related. All close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases are being notified by AHS.

The only new change to the process is that AHS is now notifying via rapid email instead of individual phone calls to reduce delays in notifying close contacts of cases in schools, allowing for immediate, mass send out of notifications.

The post says AHS is apologizing for the inaccuracy of the letter sent out in the South Zone and understands it has led to confusion for students, parents and school divisions.

AHS says they have worked closely with schools to ensure parents were notified of this change to email notification, stressing they have been and continue to complete all contact tracing for all cases, including all schools.

AHS says that, provincially and in South Zone, they are well equipped to ensure all close contacts are notified. If a positive case is infectious at school, AHS aims to make contact with the superintendent & school admin as soon as possible and within 48 hours of receiving a positive test result.

Prior to receiving a call from AHS, support can be provided by the Coordinated Early Response and Identification Line at 1-844-343-0971 or schools may reach out to their established local public health contact.

AHS ask schools to help support by being ready to provide contact information for any potentially exposed staff/student, and make sure that best practices are being followed such as recommended cleaning, screening and physical distancing.

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