If COVID case levels remain low and stable, the return to school in September will look remarkably like that before the pandemic struck.
The provincial government released its Return to School plan this morning.
Education Minister Tom Osborne says the plan was made in consultation with Dr. Janice Fitzgerald and Public Health, education officials and public sector unions.
He says Public Health will determine the risk level and if current COVID levels prevail, then all students will return to in-class learning come September 8.
Under the Low-Risk scenario, cohorts and physical distancing of two metres will no longer be required. The wearing of masks in school is no longer mandatory, but schools will encourage students and staff who still want to wear their masks.
Busing returns to normal capacity and masks will no longer be required on buses under the Low-Risk scenario. Special events like field trips and extracurricular activities will resume, and parents of Kindergarten students will be able to accompany their children to school on the first day of class.
Under low risk, cohorts and distancing will not be required, and masks will not be required but will still be encouraged. All schools can return to in person.
Parents of kindergarten kids can accompany them to class on the first day @VOCMNEWS
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) August 12, 2021
In the 2021-22 school year, the following public health measures will be in effect. Unless otherwise stated, measures apply to all grades:
In-person education (cohorts and distancing)
• Low-Risk: Cohorts and physical distancing of two metres are not required, but schools will continue to take measures to prevent crowding in indoor common spaces like hallways.
• High-Risk: Cohort and physical distancing measures will likely be implemented. Depending on physical space and school population size, this could require a temporary shift to blended or online learning.
Mask use
• Low-Risk: Masking is still acceptable and encouraged for those who wish to continue, but is not required.
• High-Risk: Use of non-medical masks may resume, and will align with public health recommendations.
Busing
• Low-Risk: Return to normal capacity for all students. Masking not required.
• High-Risk: Reduced occupancy where possible and masking may resume.
Extracurricular activities
• Low-Risk: Field trips, inter-school sports events, arts events and other special interest activities can resume.
• High-Risk: Extracurricular activities and field trips are unlikely to occur, and will align with public health recommendations.
Gatherings and Events
• Low-Risk: Gatherings and events, such as assemblies, can resume for students in grades 7 to 12, however virtual options should still be considered for K-6 students.
• High-Risk: Virtual gatherings should be prioritized.
Community Use of Schools
• Low-Risk: Use of schools by community groups will be permitted. All visitors must complete a health check and not enter if they are sick. Food services can return to regular operational and food safety practices.
• High-Risk: Community use of schools unlikely to occur, will align with public health recommendations.
Cleaning and disinfection
• Low-Risk: Routine cleaning practices will be recommended, with continued access to hand sanitizer dispensers.
• High-Risk: Enhanced cleaning measures will be implemented, in line with 2020-21 measures.
Ventilation and Air Exchange
• Low-Risk: Continued review and maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure they are in proper working order. Continued adherence to the Provincial Government’s Natural Ventilation Protocols.
• High-Risk: Same measures as low risk. The Department of Education, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District and the Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve et Labrador are working on a plan to improve air quality in schools throughout the province. Further details will be announced in the near future.
