Alberta's first COVID-19 school transmission 'likely' detected in Edmonton: Hinshaw

EDMONTON -- An outbreak at an Edmonton school was "likely" caused by Alberta's first in-school transmission, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Friday.

Two people from Waverley School tested positive on Thursday, the Edmonton Public School Board told CTV News. Approximately 12 students from a combined Grade 1 and 2 class and seven staff members are in self-isolation.

Hinshaw said the two people were at school while infectious, and that one of the cases "seems to have been the source for the other."

"It seems to be a likely explanation," Hinshaw said, and added it's possible more cases will come from the outbreak.

"This is not unexpected and not a cause for alarm."

• Hinshaw warns against stigmatizing schools with COVID-19 cases and outbreaks

EPSB said the school was thoroughly cleaned and will remain open.

• 5 new COVID-19 cases at Edmonton schools, 1 school declares outbreak

As of Friday, Alberta Health Services had confirmed 78 cases of the coronavirus at 57 schools across the province.

Alberta reported 107 new cases of COVID-19 and one more death on Friday afternoon.

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  Waverley Elementary School in Edmonton. Sept. 18, 2020. (CTV News Edmonton)