Teachers are among those identified as essential workers in Phase Two of the province’s vaccination program.

It’s hoped, based on promised delivery of the vaccine, that Phase Two vaccinations can begin in April.

Schools off the Avalon are planned to reopen for in-class instruction on Wednesday with certain modifications, including mandatory wearing of masks for teachers and students in grades four and upwards, with the UK variant in mind.

A metro area school was at the centre of the recent COVID outbreak in the province.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says while teachers have not specifically been named among essential workers, they are under that umbrella.

Meanwhile, rotational workers are among those identified for priority under Phase Two of the province’s vaccine rollout.

Dr. Fitzgerald says people who work away and frequently travel to and from the province pose a risk of bringing the virus with them. She suggests that protecting rotational workers with the vaccine will protect the public at large.