Posts: Covid-19 Measures Lifted - Next Steps as of March 14, 2022
3/14/2022 3:00 PM by bethany.cleal
March
4, 2022
Dear ASD-W Families,
Last week the province announced that all
remaining COVID-19 measures would be lifted on Monday, March 14, with some
exceptions in vulnerable areas. This means that there will be some significant
changes for our schools:
Masks will no longer be required, at any time, in our schools
or buses.
Effective immediately, proof of vaccination will no longer be
required for students to participate in extracurricular and sports
activities. Students wishing to join clubs, committees, and other
activities may do so regardless of immunization status. Also,
spectators are now permitted to attend all applicable extracurricular
activities without proof of vaccination. Please note: sports
teams currently in mid-season will continue to follow the vaccination
protocol, and no new unvaccinated players will be permitted to join at
this time.
At this time, proof of vaccination will remain a requirement
for all public servants (including those in education) as well as
volunteers in our schools.
After today, March 4, families will no longer need to inform
the school if their child tests positive for COVID-19, and we will no
longer be updating the COVID-19 Dashboard. However, as with missed time
for any reason, families will still be responsible for informing the
school of their child’s absences.
Isolation rules are no longer in place. As always, if your
child is feeling unwell and displaying illness, cold, or flu-like
symptoms, you are advised to keep them home until they are feeling better.
It is important to note that while students and staff will no
longer be required to wear a mask in school, some will still choose to do so.
This will be a personal choice. We understand that our families will have
different perspectives on COVID-19 safety measures. While some families are
relieved to see the protocols ending, there are families, students, and staff
who will experience anxiety as restrictions and safety measures are lessened.
Everyone has experienced this pandemic differently, and we ask that everyone be
treated with respect and kindness.
While formal safety measures will be lifted, it is important to
encourage your children to continue frequent hand washing/sanitizing, proper
cough/sneeze etiquette, and monitoring for symptoms of illness. If your child
or any of our staff is more comfortable wearing a mask, they are welcome to do
so. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available in schools.
We are again permitted to hold extracurricular events such as
dances and end-of-year activities. There is much planning and organizing in the
lead-up to these events, and schools will have to assess what is feasible and
what resources they have available. Schools will be in touch with their
families in the coming months with plans for the end of school year activities.
We understand that each family’s readiness and comfort level may
be a little different at this time. However, we hope that our students will
feel optimistic upon returning to school after the March Break. We thank
staff, students, and families for their cooperation during this time of the
global pandemic.
I wish everyone a safe and restful week!
Sincerely,
David McTimoney, Superintendent, ASD-W
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