RancheView school in Sunset Ridge has now been put into the "watch" category for COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks. While the school was deemed an outbreak earlier this month, the "watch" status begins when the number of cases hits five 

In a letter sent out to parents and guardians of students at Rancheview, Principal Sharon Cronin confirmed the new status of the school. 

"As you are aware, we have had a number of individuals associated with our school test positive for COVID-19 over the last three weeks. We were informed of a fifth individual testing positive on Thanksgiving Monday, but no letters went out as the individual was not at school during their communicable period. For privacy reasons, we will not be sharing more information about the individual."

When a school has five or more cases where COVID-19 could have been acquired or transmitted in the school, then it is moved to 'watch' status. On Tuesday AHS moved RancheView School to 'watch' status. We continue to work closely with AHS to ensure the necessary precautions are taken to protect students and staff."

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by these cases and hope for a quick recovery for everyone."

The “watch” status in the province means that AHS is monitoring the situation and working with the school. Additional health measures may be put in place to help prevent the spread.

According to Alberta's online map, RancheView is the only school in Cochrane with any active cases.