WQSB updates COVID-19 protocols

WQSB updates COVID-19 protocols

In a letter to parents and students, the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) has changed its COVID-19 protocols for all schools and vocational centres. Schools were scheduled to re-open on Monday January 17, but a snowstorm pushed that back to the 18th.

Rapid test kits are being given out to parents and guardians and will be used in the event that the child presents symptoms. In the event of a positive test at school, administrators will advise parents on the public health guidelines to follow.

Masks are mandatory for students at all times, however, preschool students are only required to wear them while using school transportation. All extracurricular activities have been cancelled for the time being.

The letter also provides details on isolation procedures.

“Management of COVID-19 cases – Isolation Guidelines:
– Public Health have updated the guidelines for isolation when individuals (students, staff) contract COVID-19. These guidelines outline specific situations for different vaccination status etc. and can be accessed at Quebec.ca. The key message remains at the onset of COVID-19 symptoms individuals must immediately isolate. A summary of guidelines and the management of cases in schools and centres will be available for distribution during the week of January 17th.
– As a general rule, individual COVID-19 cases will no longer be communicated to the school community (as per revised Public Health guidelines)
– Elementary and secondary students who must isolate and whose absence from school extends beyond two days due to isolation will receive support for their learning (daily check ins, work sent home, access to technology to complete work etc.)”

The full letter detailing the changes is available here.