On Monday, Brandon and Prairie Mountain Health region moved up to the government’s new ‘Orange’ restricted level to try and get a handle on the increasing COVID-19 cases in the region.
This level makes face-masks mandatory in all indoor public places – and limits gatherings to 10 people, but Brandon School Division remained at the lower ‘Yellow’ restriction level. The province said it felt additional restrictions were not necessary for schools.
Brandon School Division’s Superintendent Marc Casavant is to join Mayor Rick Chrest at 4:00 pm, Thursday, August 27/20 on the city’s YouTube channel to try and clarify things. Prairie Mountain Health Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Amy Frykoda will also provide an update.
Meanwhile, the school division has posted a letter to parents and staff from Dr. Casavant.
“We know that over the past few days, there has been a lot of information coming out about the Prairie Mountain Health region being moved into the Orange/Restricted level. Our hope is that this memo will provide some clarity for you.
On Thursday, August 20, the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer declared that the Prairie Mountain Health Region has been moved to the Orange/Restricted level under the Province’s new Pandemic Response System. The Brandon School Division has been advised that the health orders under the new level are being applied in a focused manner and that at this time do not apply to schools.
As this may change in the coming days or weeks, we are looking at our existing plan for re-opening and making preparations to ensure we can meet the requirements for schools if the level changes to Orange/Restricted were applied to K-12 education in our region. More information will be provided as the situation develops. Stay safe.”
