On May 1, officials from the Saskatchewan Health Authority informed Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS)  of a positive COVID-19 case in an individual at École Holy Mary Catholic School in Martensville that is being investigated as a variant of concern-.

GSCS officials are working with Public Health to notify parents and caregivers. SHA is recommending that all close contacts get tested. Risk of exposure for anyone not considered a close contact remains low.

The affected class will switch to online learning.

To protect privacy of individuals, we are not able to share or discuss details.

GSCS officials say they hope all who are ill or affected by COVID-19 in any way are doing well. As a community of faith, they continue to support each other and pray for all members of their school communities who are ill.

It is important that everyone continue to follow health measures to decrease both the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and the risk of it entering schools. Multiple layers of important safety precautions are in place, and students and families are reminded to:

* be diligent in performing the daily health screening;

* stay home if you are ill;

* call HealthLine 811 if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms;

* practice proper hand hygiene;

* maintain physical distancing as much as possible;

* wear a mask when inside public places.