A member of the Merritt Secondary School community has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Nicola-Similkameen School District.

In a letter to families, SD58 Superintendent Stephen McNiven says this person is self-isolating at home with contact tracing underway, noting exposure likely happened on Jan. 4, the first day of winter term.

This is the second known case linked to SD58 after a school district employee tested positive last October, but McNiven says that person did not come in contact with any students.

In this particular case, he says if you’re not contacted by Interior Health, you or your children are not at risk.

“We are supporting Interior Health Authority as they undertake contact tracing to determine if any other members of our Merritt Secondary community were in contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, and if any additional steps are required,” he said, noting only Interior Health can determine who is a close contact.

SD58 will not be releasing more information about this particular case.

“The safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff remains our highest priority,” McNiven added. “Please be reassured that Merritt Secondary will continue to implement the strict protocols and procedures we have in place so that children can continue to attend school as safely as possible.”

People are being asked to call 811 if they have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.