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After numerous students at a Kamloops Catholic school have been isolated due to COVID-19 exposures, the school is now temporarily closing its doors to its youngest students.

As of today, Oct. 1, kindergarten through to grade 4 classes are cancelled for three school days at St. Ann's Academy, according to a letter sent to parents yesterday.

The decision follows a rapid increase in COVID-19 exposures at schools throughout the Interior Health region.

There are currently two independent schools in Kamloops that have had "potential exposure events" since Sept. 20. Eight more schools in School District 73 have had potential exposure events, according to Interior Health.

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Christopher Yuen, superintendent of Catholic Independent Schools Kamloops Diocese, was not immediately available for comment.

Yuen wrote in the letter the decision was not made lightly and followed discussions with Interior Health's Rapid Response Team and the Federation of Independent Schools.

Grades five through 12 are still expected to continue class as normal, but based on health restrictions set by the province and Interior Health.

Provincial health authorities announced today all students will soon require masks at all times, including while at their desks and on buses.

This new mandate will launch on Monday with the goal of preventing transmission within school settings.

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“We need to make changes to fit the situation as it’s arising. We know the COVID-19 virus is being transmitted more rapidly, particularly to those who don’t have the protection that vaccination offers. This extra measure adds another layer of protection as we navigate this phase of the pandemic," provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said in a news release.

On Oct. 6, all grades at St. Ann's Academy will return to class.

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