As preparations for a return to class begin to take shape, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has issued new guidelines for how schools will handle COVID-19 exposures … and they vary depending on the level of vaccination.
In a letter sent to parents Thursday via local school boards, chief medical officer of health Dr. Nicola Mercer explains fully vaccinated students won’t be required to isolate if they’re exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, as was the case during the last school year, and can continue attending class. They will, however, need to monitor for symptoms and isolate if symptoms emerge.
In the case of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated students, 14 days of isolation will be required upon exposure to a confirmed case. The student will also be instructed to follow public health advice in terms of testing, direction for household members and what’s needed in order to return to class.
“We anticipate that students will have access to lessons and class work through their Google Classroom environment,” Upper Grand District School Board communications manager Heather Loney responded via email when asked how learning will happen for students in isolation.
"Students who will be isolating from home in these situations will have access to learning activities through D2L – Brightspace," explained Ali Wilson, communications officer for Wellington Catholic District School Board. "We expect further guidelines from the ministry on return to school protocols at some point next week."
In her letter, Mercer recommends students age 12 and older receive two doses of vaccine at least three weeks apart. Anyone who has not received their first dose can drop-in at a vaccination clinic at any time they’re open. Appointments, be it for first or second dose, can be booked through www.wdgpublichealth.inputhealth.com/ebooking. Many family doctors and pharmacies are also administering the vaccine.
“We know the last year and a half has been challenging for all families and we look forward to a better year ahead,” reads Mercer’s letter, noting activities such as sports and music are expected to return to schools, with modified public health measures in place. “Let’s make sure everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine is fully vaccinated by the first day of school and help put this pandemic behind us!”
