The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recently declared that Eastwood Collegiate Institute in Kitchener should close. This decision comes on the heels of a recent confirmed case of measles at the school. The school was shuttered Thursday, May 15. It cannot be reopened until health authorities are assured that the risks no longer exist.
The new confirmed measles case has left students and staff potentially exposed on May 7 and May 8. Since measles is extremely contagious, health officials are advising anyone potentially exposed to be proactive and protect yourself from the disease. Experts estimate that 9 out of 10 people that aren’t immune would get the virus. This danger is exacerbated tremendously when they have to share a room with someone who has the virus.
Health Authorities Respond
In response to the outbreak, the Region of Waterloo has brought its public health emergency response team into action. They’re doing a very robust job of monitoring and tracking exposures. Their public health department has been closely tracking a few hot spots around the region. These locations were recently included on a public measles exposure dashboard. This dashboard is available on the Region of Waterloo’s home page for residents anxious about exposure.
Among the locations listed, healthcare settings dominate, but two businesses appear: Walmart at Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener and McDonald’s on Hespeler Road in Cambridge. Public health officials continue to investigate these businesses and the school. After all, they are the ones most directly responsible and professionally invested in keeping their community safe.
“Due to the time necessary for Public Health to complete the required steps in vaccination verification, the school will be closed on Thursday, May 15” – WRDSB officials.
Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum noted the importance of keeping vaccine coverage as high as possible within communities in order to keep them free from outbreaks. He explained that unvaccinated people tend to gather in small spaces, putting them at higher risk for exposure.
“It’s incredibly infectious and the consequence means we need to have and maintain really high levels of vaccine coverage in our population, because people who aren’t up-to-date often tend to congregate with each other in pockets” – Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum.
Public health advocates still remind us that widespread vaccination is the most effective way to stop the spread of measles and keep our communities safe. As implementation moves forward to require proof of vaccination, locals are urged to stay up to date with information from the Region of Waterloo’s website.
Community Impact
Parent and student reaction to the school closing has been deep concern. For many, this uncertainty includes concern for their health and safety, as well as the negative impacts on the learning experience from an unexpected closure. WRDSB remains focused on open communication with the community and will continue to share information as it becomes available as they work through this public health emergency.
While officials encourage vigilance and adherence to vaccination recommendations, they remind residents to monitor the measles exposure dashboard for real-time information on potential risks.
