SASKATOON

Possible COVID-19 variant cases identified at 3 Saskatoon schools

Published Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:58AM CST Last Updated Wednesday, March 31, 2021 12:52PM CST

(Chad Hills/CTV News)

COVID-19 school class classroom generic PPE

Personal protection equipment is seen on the teacher's desk in classroom in preparation for the new school year at the Willingdon Elementary School in Montreal, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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SASKATOON -- Potential COVID-19 variants of concern have been found at three Saskatoon schools according to the city's public and Catholic school divisions.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) declared coronavirus outbreaks at Brevoort Park School and Tommy Douglas Collegiate on Tuesday, Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) said in a news release.

The declaration came after a coronavirus case was confirmed on March 26 at Brevoort Park and a case was confirmed on March 28 at Tommy Douglas, the public division said.

The cases at both schools are probable COVID-19 variants of concern, SPS said.

The SHA is encouraging all students and staff at the schools to get tested.

Classes will continue as scheduled before the Easter break begins on Friday, the public division said.

On Tuesday, the SHA also informed the Catholic school division of a potential variant case identified at Bethlehem Catholic High School, according to a news release from Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS).

"SHA recommends that all close contacts get tested. Risk of exposure for anyone not considered a close contact remains low," GSCS statement said.

The affected cohort at the high school will switch to online learning.