February 8th, 2022 - Relaxing Health Measures
On February 8, 2022, Premier Kenney, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, and the Education Minister, Adriana LaGrange, announced steps to begin relaxing COVID-19 management protocols, including updating the current COVID-19 school health and safety guidelines used to manage respiratory illness transmission within our learning environments across the Division.
Effective Monday, February 14, 2022, the masking requirements in CMOH 22-2021 will be removed, and as such, there will be no masking requirements for any students in schools or on school buses. However, at this time, masking will still be required for adults, including teachers, administrators and other school staff, including school bus drivers.
You can watch the announcement online and read the news release.
As of February 14, 2022, school boards will not be directed to implement provincial health orders or recommendations from the CMOH, requiring ECS - grade 12 students to be masked to attend school in person or ride a school bus. At this time, prevention measures will continue to include respiratory etiquette, cohorting, and enhanced cleaning and sanitization.
Public health measures will be lifted in 3 stages as the Omicron wave subsides and pressure on the healthcare system eases. Additionally, the government will continue to encourage all stakeholders to get immunized. All Albertans 5+ can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone 18+ can get a booster dose five months after the second dose. On March 1, 2022, if hospitalizations are trending downwards, the remaining respiratory illness management requirements will be removed. Click here for further information on the three-phased approach to easing protective measures.
The Division and school admin teams will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We are all looking forward to returning to some form of normality. Still, we must continue to be vigilant to maintain the health and safety measures that reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses that can impact in-person learning. Please download the latest health and safety checklist guidelines, and if you or any of your family members are exhibiting any symptoms, please stay home until the symptoms are resolved.
For additional information concerning East Central Catholic School Division School Re-Entry Plan Guidelines, please click here.