This morning (Aug. 13), Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided some details on the province's approach to the upcoming return to school.

Hinshaw noted the low rate of severe outcomes and illness related to COVID, especially when compared to other health risks like injuries and anxiety disorders.

Masking will not be required in schools, though it may be recommended in response to specific outbreaks. Masks will be required on school busses.

Things like cohorts and spacing won't be required, but school authorities may implement them if they see fit.

Daily screening is recommended, and isolation will still be required for symptomatic individuals and those who test positive.

School boards will also be able to implement health measures of their own to respond to outbreaks and individual situations in specific schools.

COVID vaccinations will also be offered in schools for those eligible, and Dr. Hinshaw is asking all eligible Albertans to get vaccinated before they return to class.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange also made an appearance, reaffirming the return of things like extracurricular activities, sports, and field trips.

 

Health guidance for schools:

A document called ‘Guidance for Respiratory Illness Prevention and Management in Schools’ has been provided to help schools reduce respiratory illness and infection. Additionally, a back-to-school tool kit has been provided for parents and schools staff on what to expect this year. 

Students and staff will continue to screen daily for symptoms and must isolate if the test positive or have core COVID-19 symptoms. 

School authorities will be able to implement certain measures that they deem necessary for the safety of school and the community. 

“Throughout the pandemic, we have trusted local school authorities to make decisions that work for their schools and their school communities. School authorities have the ability and the corresponding accountability for any additional local measures they may choose to put in place,” said LaGrange. 

The local measures schools may implement include physical distancing, cohorting, and mask requirements. 

Immunizations against COVID-19 will also be available in schools for students in grades 7 to 12 with parental consent. 

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