In an announcement this afternoon (Wednesday) Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the province’s plan for a return to in-class learning on Monday means students can learn alongside their peers and led by their teachers.
He added every student and staff member in schools and child-care settings will get rapid COVID-19 tests starting next week.
Tests will be distributed first to staff, then to children in daycares and students in public elementary schools, followed by high school students.
Lecce advised the province will introduce school-based immunization clinics as part of the return protocols.
To minimize closures due to staff illnesses, school boards will be allowed to combine classes or rotate between in-person and remote days.
Parents won’t be notified of a COVID-19 outbreak at a school until there is a 30 per cent absenteeism rate among staff and students.
