TERRACE BAY — Superior North Catholic School Board, shared changes to COVID-19 restrictions as a result of Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recent announcement.
Effective March 21, 2022, masks will no longer be required in indoor public settings and schools for staff, students and visitors.
Dr. Keiran Moore, shared in his announcement to Ontarians, that “removing the mask mandate does not mean that the risk is gone” and strongly recommended continuing mask-wearing in his public announcement on March 9.
As a result of this recommendation, SNCDSB informed its school community that, “The SNCDSB will use the week of March 21 to transition from masks being mandatory to strongly recommended. The board strongly encourages mask-wearing to continue during this transition week to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 right after the March Break, a time in which many people travel. This can also help mitigate absenteeism.
They also remind students, staff, parents/gaurdians, and their entire school community that, “Under current travel requirements, upon return from International travel, individuals must wear a mask at all times when in public spaces including schools for a period of 14 days and monitor signs and symptoms of COVID-19”.
SNCDSB also stated that, “As of March 28, wearing masks will be optional. We will continue to provide masks for those who wish to use them. In addition, we know that many students and staff may choose to continue to wear masks at times, or regularly, for the remainder of the school year, We encourage the promotion of respectful. Welcoming and inclusive practices and communication within our school communities. Cohorting and physical distancing will no longer be required indoors, outdoors or on school buses”.
SNCDSB added that capacity limits for indoor gatherings will be lifted and that COVID-19 case information will no longer be disclosed to staff and families. Although daily screening by staff and students will no longer be required, the Board strongly suggests that self-screening daily before attending school using, “the Ontario school screening tool” until further notice and are expected to continue to isolate if appropriate”.
A full script of the letter posted by SNCDSB is available at: www.sncdsb.on.ca