SUDBURY -- Public Health Sudbury & Districts has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in Walden Public School and is dismissing the entire school community.

All students, staff, and essential visitors of Walden Public School are dismissed and must self-isolate up until and including March 19, due to confirmed cases of COVID-19.

"Public Health has determined that there is potential widespread COVID-19 infection among the school community," the health unit said in a news release Friday. "Broader testing of the school community will assist with additional case finding. This, combined with self-isolation of all school attendees, is intended to limit further spread."

Rainbow District School Board had already made the decision that all classes at Walden Public School will be delivered remotely.

"All students and staff who have already been advised to self-isolate and who have received a letter with more specific direction should follow the direction in that letter," the release said.

In-person learning is being suspended in schools in Sudbury and Manitoulin Island beginning Monday. The city has seen a disturbing spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, with 55 being reported Thursday alone.

The health unit suspects the COVID variant first reported in the United Kingdom is helping drive cases in the area.

Parents and guardians of students at the Walden school can visit the Rainbow District School Board’s website for information. rainbowschools.ca.

Updates about COVID-19 testing, confirmed cases, and outbreaks in Greater Sudbury, the District of Sudbury, and the District of Manitoulin are posted online at phsd.ca.

COVID-19 testing appointments can be arranged through the Health Sciences North Assessment Centre: the preferred option is to request an appointment online or to call 705-671-7373 during regular business hours.

For more information or if you have questions, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200, toll-free 1-866-522-9200. Public Health returns all calls, however, at times, inquiry volumes are high, and patience is appreciated.