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Province Announces Plans to Return to In-Person Learning

Wednesday, 12 January 2022 14:18

By Linda Morgan

Education Minister Stephen Lecce has announced new measures as kids head back to class next week, including two rapid antigen tests for students and staff and additional N95 masks for education and childcare workers.

The province has released new details of the province's plan for the return to in-person learning. 

At a technical briefing earlier today, officials told reporters that that once 30 percent of a school's students are absent, principals and local public health units will notify parents. 

The thirty percent threshold will not require a school to close, but a return to remote learning may be considered at that time. 

Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore also addressed parents today, saying when kids head back to in-person classes on Monday, students and staff will each get two rapid COVID-19 tests to take home. 

The tests, which will be distributed starting next week, will also be given to staff and children in daycares. 

People with symptoms are to use the tests 24 to 48 hours apart. 

If the results are negative, kids can go back to school when their symptoms improve. 

Lecce also noted that over 10 million N95 masks have been shipped to education and childcare staff.

As well, four million three-ply cloth masks have been sent to school for kids to use, with additional supplies to be distributed on the regular basis. 

The province also noted that school boards are teaming up with local public health units to bring in in-school vaccination clinics, which would allow children aged 5-11 to get vaccinated, with parental permission. 

As well, high contact sports and certain other extra curriculars will remain restricted when classes resume next week. 

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