RENFREW COUNTY – During the first wave of COVID-19 in spring and summer, Renfrew County was relatively untouched by the pandemic.

During the spring and summer months, confirmed cases were in the 20s and new cases were reported every couple of days, sometimes weeks. The second wave has been much worse for West Carleton’s neighbours to the west.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Renfrew County continues to climb. There has been a total of 111 confirmed cases, with a spike in cases in recent weeks. With 102 people who have recovered and one reported death in the area, the local health unit is aware of eight active cases.

Three active cases are in the Petawawa area, three in the Pembroke area and two in the Deep River area. There are currently no COVID cases in Renfrew County in hospital.

Meanwhile, an outbreak has  been declared at Renfrew County’s only Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, Valour School in Petawaw.

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU), says in addition to the one high school student who previously tested positive for COVID-19, two additional high school students at Valour School in Petawawa have now tested positive for COVID-19.

All staff and/or students who have been deemed to be close contacts of the positive cases, have been given direction to immediately self-isolate and arrange for testing. Valour High School remains open for in-person learning.

The RCDHU is working closely with the school board to ensure necessary measures continue to be in place to protect all staff and the public.

The health unit is actively investigating the cases and all high-risk contacts will be contacted for further instructions.

Other recent cases have been reported at Herman Street Public School in Petawawa and Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke.