Back-to-School Guidance FAQ
The following questions and answers are intended to help address some of the questions parents and students may have about the school year. The Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Public School Branch and French Language School Board encourage parents and caregivers to share their questions with us.
Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19 and its variants. Everyone eligible is encouraged to get vaccinated with a complete series, including booster doses, of Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccines.
Health Screening and Testing
Will there be testing requirements for staff and students?
Screening with rapid antigen tests is currently not required for students and staff in K-12 schools. Schools will have a supply of rapid antigen tests available for students and staff for home use.
What happens if a student or staff member has positive rapid antigen screening test result?
The student or staff person should consider themselves positive for COVID-19 and if feeling unwell should stay home and self-isolate to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
Testing guidance may evolve over time, refer to the most up to date information on the testing webpage.
If a student or staff person has known allergies which mimic COVID-19 symptoms, should they stay home?
No. If symptoms worsen or if new ones appear, stay home and use a rapid antigen test to screen for COVID-19.
How long should someone stay home when experiencing symptoms?
Until symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), no fever is present, and no additional symptoms have developed.
Ventilation
Will ventilation systems be updated?
Yes, portable HEPA filters have been installed in schools lacking mechanical ventilation. Ventilation systems will be maintained to appropriate industry standards.
Masking
Will staff and students have to wear masks?
Masks provide an important layer of protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
It is currently the choice of the student, staff, or visitor to wear a mask if they choose. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask is supported in doing so.
Masks are not legally required for students or staff while in school or on school buses at this time.
Cohorting and Physical Distancing
Will students be required to cohort?
Cohorting is no longer required in schools.
Is physical distancing required?
Physical distancing is no longer required in schools.
Events and Extracurricular Activities
Will students be able to participate in extracurricular activities?
All school sport games and competitions and extracurricular activities may occur in accordance with current public health measures.
Will students be able to attend in school gatherings and events?
In school gatherings and events are now permitted without capacity limits or physical distancing requirements.
Self-Isolation and Travel
Can I request proof of completion of self-isolation from staff or students before they return to the school?
No. Staff, parent/caregivers, and/or students will advise when they have completed self-isolation based on what public health advised.