School Contact Notification Process

Posted on Oct 7, 2021

October 7, 2021

Dear parents and guardians,

On October 5, the Alberta Government indicated that school divisions will now be taking part in a COVID-19 tracing process now known as "Contact Notification". This process will begin next week across the province. While similar to last year's contact tracing, there are a few very key differences that families need to be aware of.

Parents/guardians will now be notified directly if their child has been exposed to a COVID-19 case who was present at school while infectious. This may include in their classroom, on the school bus or during a school-related activity (club/sports/ out of school care). Contact notification letters will be sent to parents/guardians via email From: communications@mhcbe.ab.ca Subject: School Contact Notification.

Parents/guardians can expect a contact notification:

Each time a new positive case of COVID-19 is identified in a classroom, parents/guardians will be sent a notification letter. Children may continue in-person learning.
If a case of COVID-19 has been identified on a school bus or during a school-based extracurricular (team/club/out of school care), you will also receive a notification letter. Children may continue in-person learning.
If a school has 10 or more cases in a 14 day period, they will transition to outbreak status. All school parents/guardians will receive a notification letter. Children may continue in-person learning.
Grades K-6 ONLY: If three positive cases of COVID-19 are identified in a classroom during a five-day period, the class will transition to at-home learning for 10 calendar days.

Helpful links:

It is our hope that the information provided answers any questions you may have at this time, please contact your child’s school for further clarification if needed. Thank you all once again for your patience as we adapt our approach.

God bless!

Dr. Dwayne Zarichny
Superintendent of Schools
Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education