New health & safety guidelines: What you need to know on your first day back

As spring break comes to a close, students will be returning to the classroom under new Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Settings. Here’s what you need to know about the updated guidelines when returning from March break:

Daily Health Checks should continue to be practiced by students, staff and parents. If you feel unwell, stay home.

Masks are no longer required in indoor settings, though students and staff may continue to wear a mask as a personal choice. This choice will be supported and treated with respect in all our schools. Disposable masks will continue to be available at our sites for those that wish to use them. For those that have travelled outside of Canada, please ensure you follow federal travel guidance, including wearing a well-constructed and well-fitting mask when in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors for 14 days following entry into Canada. 

Hand Hygiene should also be practiced. Be sure to diligently wash your hands with soap and water, and make use of an effective hand sanitizer.

Visitors are allowed at schools again. Schools can return to routine sign in/out practices and do not need to keep a list of names, visiting dates and contact information of visitors for communicable disease prevention purposes. Check with your school on visitor protocols.

School Gatherings remain permitted at 50% capacity indoors until the PHO Gatherings and Events Order is lifted. Spectators may attend gatherings and events such as theatre productions, sports games and tournaments within capacity limits. Proof of vaccination is not required to attend school-led gatherings and events. Check with your school on how they will begin transitioning to in-person gatherings.

Classroom arrangements may return to previous learning environment configurations that best meet student needs and preferred educational approaches. Schools should still consider strategies to create space between students.

Field trips are permitted. Schools should avoid venues/locations that place additional requirements that could prevent anyone from being able to participate.

Schools should continue to create a supportive school environment, including utilizing a trauma-informed lens when planning school activities.