Following the statement from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, on the end of the majority of public health measures in the provincial reopening process , the Ministry of Education also announced on March 9 the gradual lifting of protective measures against COVID-19 in schools, in order to continue to promote a return to a more normal learning experience for students.
However, certain prevention measures such as rapid tests, improved ventilation, screening and continued access to personal protective equipment, free for students and staff, will be maintained.
The Franco-Ontarian Association of Catholic School Boards (AFOCSC) welcomes this announcement from Dr. Moore and the Ministry of Education, but nevertheless deplores the fact that school boards were once again somewhat taken by surprise: “Our councils would have greatly appreciated having a little more time, than just a day, to prepare messages for families and staff, as the province heads into the school break period this weekend ,” said Johanne Lacombe, president of the AFOCSC.
Upon returning to class after the break, it will be important for each family to continue to carry out a daily self-assessment of their child with the modified tool and to follow the recommended instructions: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/autoevaluation/
Now that protective measures, such as wearing a mask, are becoming a personal choice, we hope that families and their children will continue to take a preventive approach towards others, still wearing the mask when necessary or staying home if symptoms are detected.
AFOCSC continues to encourage full vaccination of all to ensure the protection of every member of its schools, children and their families.
