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HB NEWS PUBLIC BOARD GIVES UPDATE FOR REST OF SCHOOL YEAR DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE TO MASK ON A BUS? WHAT WILL GRAD LOOK LIKE? LOUIE ROSELLA lrosella@metroland.com The Halton District School Board released on Thursday, March 10 an update on COVID- 3 protocols that includes gradua- Ww changing after the Government of Ontario announcement 9 that some COVID-19 tealth a and safety measures will be lifted ef- fective Monday, March 21and will impact all Ontario schools. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS “As a reminder, upon return from international travel, the Government of Canada requires Q 5 Mountainview Rd N, Georgetown individuals to wear a mask at all times when in public spaces (in- cluding schools anc maintain a list of all close con- tacts for 14 days upon return to Can: and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19," the board said. "The COVID-19 school screening tool has been updated to align with recent changes made to federal travel require- ments." MASKING Masks will no longer be re- quired for students, staffand visi- tors in schools, school board of- fices and on student transporta- tion such as buses. “We know that many students and staff may choose to contin to wear masks at times, or consis. tently for the remainder of the school year," the board said in its. notification to parents and stu- dents. "Masks will continue to be available for students and staff who wish to continue to wear them." NO Payments NO Interest For One Year!* & (905) 877-6242 www.culligan.com | info@culliganwater.ca COHORTING AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS Grouping students together and ensuring physical distancing to limit exposure is no longer re- quired in classrooms or during outdoor breaks, the board said. School assemblies may resume and shared spaces such as librar- ies, tech labs, music rooms, etc. used without distancing, the’ board said. ISOLATION REQUIREMENTS Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 are presumed to have COVID-19, whether or not this is confirmed by a rapid antigen/ PCR test, and they should "self- isolate immediately," the board saic But, household members without symptoms of COVID-19 who live with a confirmed case or i mptoms, are no longer required to isolate if they: are 17 or younger and fully vacci- nated, are 18-plus and fully vacci- Metroland file photo. Here's what students and parents need to know about the rest of the school year. nated and have received their CO- VID-19 booster, or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days and completed their isola- tion period. Children under five without symptoms who live with a con- firmed case or someone with symptoms are required to isolate for five days, the board said. COVID-19 SCHOOL SCREENING REQUIREMENTS All students learning in per- son must continue to complete ie Government of Ontario tne COVID-19 Shoot screening INH UONEH - dl CUL | © tool prior to attending school each day, the board said. But, pro- viding daily confirmation of com- pleting the screening ¢ tool will no longer be required. The screen. ing tool has ‘been a daten to re- flect updated isolation and self- monitoring requirements. COVID-19 CASE AND CONTACT MANAGEMENT If school absence rates rise to approximately 30 per cent (above baseline), principals will contin- ue to notify Halton Region Public Health and families will be made aware. Schools will continue to report absence rates to the Min- istry of Education daily. GRADUATIONS/END-OF-SCHOOL- YEAR CELEBRATIONS "At this time, these activities will be able to occur," the board said. "Schools will move forward with planning for these ond of year celebrations. Future ci munication will be provided by schools." 2202 "LL YoseW ‘kepsinyy,| | Elite Home Nursing Care| WELCOME LYNN! I am so very pleased to welcome Lynn to the Elite Home Nursing Care team! Lynn is a Personal Support Worker with 19 years of solid experience providing a variety of care for seniors © 416-833-8203 © www.elitehomenursingcare.ca Over 14 years of diverse nursing care + Urgent, Short Term & Long Term Care Options * Senior, Medical, Palliative at Home and Wellness Care * No Contracts or Minimums - provides you savings over larger agencies Lynn has a gentle, humorous and highly compassionate energy that will reassure clients and families that top notch care is what you or loved ones can expect to receive! Our community is lucky to have her! -Lisa Zablotny, RPN, Owner eordyouy