Robert: Province announces COVID guidelines for K-12 school year

Ahead of the new school year this September, the Provincial government has declared the priority for this school year will be to maintain in-person learning.

The Department of Education says students, teachers and staff can expect the same guidelines and conditions heading into the start of this school year as when classes ended this past June.

In summary:

• Masks will be recommended in schools. Officials will monitor the prevalence of illness-related absences and, if necessary, make masks required in order to maintain in-person classes.
• Students, teachers and staff are asked to stay home if they become sick. People with COVID-19 symptoms related to other known causes (ex. runny nose due to allergies or lingering cough from prior illness) can still attend.
• All students, teachers and staff should stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• Parents, especially of Kindergarten students, should ensure their children start the vaccination process as soon as possible.
• All classrooms and most common areas in schools throughout the province have air filtration and purification systems which were installed last year.
• Junior high and high school students will continue to have access to Chromebook devices.

“Our approach prioritizes the importance of in-person learning and activities that contribute to the academic, social and emotional well-being of students,” says Minister of Education John Haggie. “We hope students, teachers and staff enjoy the reminder of their break and we look forward to welcoming you back in September.”