The school board released a lengthy plan yesterday leaving students with a lot of changes to work with.

In September, no visitors, volunteers, parents or guardians will be permitted inside NLESD schools.

Schools may stagger recess based on the size of the school and students must wash their hands before and after.

Breakfast programs will continue but will be offered in a grab-and-go format. Microwave use will not be permitted. It is recommended that K-6 students eat in the classroom. Vending machines will be shut down. Students will have to bring their recyclables home with them.

Students will be asked to bring their own full, labelled water bottle, and they will be permitted to re-fill it at the fountain. They cannot drink directly from the fountain.

Classroom and office doors should be left open to minimize the number of people who need to touch them.

When the weather is fine, staff will be encouraged to take students outside when possible anytime during the day, including mealtime.

Lockers will be decided on by the school but in general, students will be asked to bring all essentials with them in their bags.

Entry times and dismissals may be staggered.

Fire alarms will be sounded during school in September but a drill will not take place until a schedule is designed by the school for throughout the fall.

An announcement will be made about Kinderstart in October.

Incoming Premier Furey to Respond to Plan Following Swearing-In Ceremony

The incoming Premier will respond to the back-to-school plan at tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony.

Today is Dwight Ball’s last full day as Premier as Andrew Furey takes over the reins officially late tomorrow morning at Government House.

The Wednesday live COVID briefing has been moved ahead to 2:00 this afternoon.

VOCM News will carry it live as there will be many questions about the new law requiring the use of masks in indoor public buildings.