The Bluewater District School Board is releasing its planned Covid measures for the upcoming school year.
In a letter addressed to families on Aug. 30, the board says when students make their return on Sept. 7 several recommended measures by Grey Bruce Public Health and the Ministry of Education will be employed.
Upon the return to school, masks will be mandatory for Grades 1-12 as well as staff while inside the school and on buses.
During the first two weeks of school, all students and staff will need to confirm daily they completed their self-screening. Students in Grades 4-12 will need to do this verbally with a teacher, while those in kindergarten to Grade 3 will be provided more information at a future date.
There will also be enhanced cleaning protocols, physical distancing, hand hygiene routines, and the installation of portable high efficiency particulate air filters to improve the ventilation in all kindergarten classrooms.
“We firmly believe that learning face-to-face at school among peers and caring staff is very important to students’ mental health and well-being, as well as their social and emotional development,” notes the school board. ” While most students will be returning in-person, we will also continue to provide remote learning for families who have chosen this option for their children.”
A full break down of the health and safety protocols is available on the school board’s website.