Students returning to classrooms in Alberta, British Columbia
Students in Alberta and British Columbia are returning to classrooms on Monday after an extended holiday break.
The question of when students should return to class, and under what conditions, has been a subject of debate across the country as provinces and territories shifted plans in the face of the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
Rapid tests and medical-grade masks will be distributed through Alberta schools, provincial officials have said, with all schools expected to have their initial shipment by the end of this week.
"Both rapid tests and masks will be shipped in phases," read a
statement issued by the province last week.
Edmonton Public Schools and the Alberta Teachers' Association have expressed concern over the fact that the supplies won't be on hand for everyone immediately, saying that could further exacerbate the lightning spread of Omicron cases.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical health officer, has said returning to in-person learning is important for students' mental wellness.
In
British Columbia, Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside has said safety measures will include virtual assemblies, visitor restrictions, staggered break times and access to three-layered masks as schools navigate this wave of COVID-19. School attendance will be monitored and an unusual dip will trigger a response from public health, which may include an investigation, the use of rapid tests or a temporary shift to how students learn, she said.
"To help with effective information-sharing, parents are encouraged to report rapid test results to public health and to ensure they contact the school if their child is staying home because of illness," she said.
Teri Mooring, head of the BC Teachers' Federation, has said she would like to see teachers prioritized for COVID-19 booster shots and N95 masks, which should be available for use in schools. Enhanced masking, using HEPA filters and ensuring teachers have their third shots will support schools in staying open, she said.
The province — which had allowed some children of essential workers and learners with some disabilities back into classrooms last week — has warned there may be functional closures due to staff illness and that COVID-19 exposure notices will no longer be sent unless there are significant dips in attendance.
Health officials in Alberta and British Columbia are expected to provide updated COVID-19 data later Monday.