A message sent to parents of children in Brandon School Division outlined how the division would be moving forward now that the Manitoba goverment has ended COVID Mask requirements. It was sent on behalf of BSD Superintendent/CEO Mathew Gustafson.
“The following guidance for protective measures has been provided by Public Health and Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning:
– While requirements are being removed, Public Health continues to provide guidance and recommendations for COVID-19 similar to other communicable diseases
– Physical distancing and cohorts are no longer required
– Visitor and community use of schools can return to regular practice
– School assemblies and gathering decisions can be made at the school or Divisional level
– No restrictions on music activities
– Schools should continue to provide options which take into consideration the range of individual risks and preferences
– Mask use will no longer be required indoors at schools or on school transportation
– Anyone can wear a mask based on their individual risk and/or preference
– Remote learning is not anticipated to be recommended for ongoing COVID-19 management unless exceptional circumstances arise. Shifts to remote learning require a Public Health risk assessment and approval from Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
– Isolation for COVID-19 is still recommended by Public Health:
– People with symptoms should stay home and isolate for 5 days after symptoms start, until they have no fever and other symptoms have improved over the past 24 hours
– Individuals who have tested positive but do not develop symptoms should isolate for 5 days from the date of the test
– Individuals should wear a well-fitted, well-made mask if they must have contact with other people while they are ill, or when their isolation is finished, for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or test date if asymptomatic
– People who have symptoms or test positive should avoid non-essential visits with higher risk people or at higher risk settings for 10 days after the onset of their symptoms or test date if asymptomatic
As of March 15th, Brandon School Division protective measures are as follows:
– Masks are recommended for students and staff when indoors, but are not required
– Masks will continue to be provided to students and staff as requested
– Frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces
– While cohorts will be removed, schools will maintain their current class configurations
– Current class configurations will be maintained
– Assemblies will continue to be paused
– Assessment, required adjustments and improvements to the ventilation systems in our classrooms will continue
– Students and staff should continue to self monitor and stay home when sick
– Rapid Antigen Tests are available for students and staff who are symptomatic. Test kits can be picked up from your school
– Absenteeism rates will continue to be reported on school webpages and case prevalence will continue to be reported on the Divisional webpage”
“I am aware of the strong feelings from members of our community regarding the topic of protective measures,” says Gustafson.”I have heard concerns and fears regarding the removal of protective measures and the impact on the health of students and staff. As well, I have heard concerns and fears regarding the continuation of protective measures and the impact on students and families.”
He says “The success in keeping our schools safe during the last two years of the pandemic was built on the cooperation of students, parents, and staff. I have witnessed great empathy and understanding in supporting those who have health concerns or those who are experiencing anxiety. It is my deepest hope that we can continue to display the same cooperation, empathy, and understanding in navigating the remainder of the school year. It is important to remember that while the Public Health restrictions may be in the process of being removed, the concerns of our families remain.
I encourage parents to raise questions and concerns with their schools so that we can best support families during this transition.”
