Less than two weeks into the school year and London area schools are seeing several COVID-19 cases pop up.
Late Wednesday evening, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) reported positive cases of the virus at five of its schools.
With the exception of Stony Creek public school, the other cases were identified in classrooms in schools outside of London.
Blenheim District in Blenheim, Central Elgin Collegiate and Parkside Collegiate in St. Thomas, and Northdale in Woodstock are the most recent schools that were notified of the cases by Southwestern Public Health.
"Thames Valley wishes to assure the community that all staff, parents and guardians of the school communities were immediately notified," a statement from the school board read.
School officials say individuals identified as close contacts will receive a letter notifying them to stay home and quarantine for 10 days.
"Thames Valley is following all health and safety protocols recommended by both the local public health unit and the Ministry of Education, and schools remains safe places to attend," the board's release said.
As of Tuesday morning, 15 active cases have been identified at 13 TVDSB schools.
More information on confirmed active cases can be found on the school board's website.
