Dear Parents / Guardians,
We are now 2 months into school and some of you may be wondering about the mode of learning (virtual or face to face) that you’ve chosen for your children.
Here is some information that might help:
- In Ontario, the spread of COVID-19 within schools currently appears to be limited. The latest information we have received is that approximately 10% of Ontario schools have been affected by COVID-19 in a 2 week period, and of these schools, approximately 70% only have 1 case.
- Current reports show that the overall risk to students of COVID-19 transmission through schools is low. However spread of COVID-19 in the school setting has occurred in other
regions. - This is a new virus and there is only a limited amount of experience with COVID-19. Advice and recommendations may change as new information is released.
- The risk of COVID-19 in the school will be impacted by the risk of COVID-19 in the community. At this time, case numbers in Northwestern Ontario are low.
- The closure of schools this past spring may have had negative health effects on some children. Effects include mental health symptoms, poorer nutrition, and decreased physical activity. It is important to recognize that in addition to providing an education, schools also benefit social and emotional growth, and overall health and wellbeing.
We recognize that this is a personal choice for each family and your choice may depend on other factors such as whether members of your household or social bubble are high risk and your ability to care for children at home. As parents and caregivers, you are the best person to make that choice.
I’d like to thank parents and students for all your efforts in preventing the spread of COVID 19. We have had a small number cases in schools and there has been no evidence of spread to others. Please continue to be vigilant. Wearing a mask, washing hands, using the screening tool before school, staying home when not feeling well, and keeping distance from others is making a difference.
Please remember that prevention practices need to continue outside of schools. If your children are getting together with others, minimize time spent indoors, keep 2 metres between the children, and wear masks when distancing is not possible. This applies even to children within the same school cohort. Most cases of COVID-19 are being spread by being in close contact of others, so limit the number of people you come into contact with outside of your household.
We live in a great part of the world to be able to have fun safely. Play outside, meet friends at the park, and keep your distance from others. This does not mean we have to give up our social lives, it just means we have to socialize a bit differently.
Let’s continue to practice personal preventive measures to keep our area’s cases low and our communities healthy.
