P.E.I. released its back-to-school plan on Monday, aiming to give students and staff a “near-normal” experience in the second autumn of the COVID-19 pandemic but recommending some mask-wearing when schools reopen.
The plan, posted to the government website, offers guidance that changes depending on whether the Island is in a “low risk” or “elevated risk” scenario when it comes to COVID-19 transmission.
“Provided the epidemiology remains consistent, it is expected that all Island schools will begin in September in a low-risk scenario with enhanced mask protocols,” the plan says.
“Should the situation change, school operational plans similar to those used during the last school year may be enacted.”
The Chief Public Health Office recommends some enhanced mask measures remain in place until at least October, with masks recommended:
- For anybody transitioning through school buildings.
- For staff in classrooms in grades kindergarten to 6.
- For anyone on school buses.
In general, masks are “strongly recommended” for the unvaccinated as well as for staff who work with students who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 whenever physical distancing is not possible, regardless of those employees’ vaccination status.
Masks are not required, but everyone who wants to wear one should be supported, the plan says.
Neither cohorting nor physical distancing is required, though the latter is encouraged in indoor common spaces outside the classroom.
Cohorting, physical distancing and further masking recommendations could all return if the province ends up in a state of “elevated risk,” the plan warns.
The document does say: “We anticipate a near-normal school year for the 2021-2022 school year.”
The plan also highlights that the province had previously announced hiring to support the “physical and mental well-being” of employees, with the extra staff commitment broken down like this:
- 50 teachers.
- 34 education assistants.
- 15 school counsellors.
- 14 youth service workers.
- 4 autism consultants.
- 21 bus drivers.
- 44 cleaners.
- 19 administrative support personnel.
The plan says education authorities will work with the Chief Public Health Office and Health P.E.I. to develop pop-up immunization clinics in schools as necessary. Students aged five to 11 will be encouraged to be vaccinated when government approval comes for those ages.
Other back-to-school plans in Atlantic Canada:
After reporting almost no COVID-19 cases in June and July, Prince Edward Island has maintained a single-digit active case load in August.
Three new cases related to travel were confirmed on Saturday, bringing the province’s overall case count to 224 since the pandemic began.
