(Bluewater District School Board photo)(Bluewater District School Board photo)
Midwestern

Local school boards preparing for January 17 return

The Bluewater District School Board is out with information on what to expect now that in-person learning is about to resume.

In a release last night, officials say students will be asked to do a Rapid Antigen Test before coming to class on Monday, if they have any tests left. More tests will be provided in the future for use when symptomatic.

Everyone will be asked to screen themselves for COVID and confirm daily that they have done the screening.

Grades 1 to 12 will be mandated to wear masks indoors and on buses. The ministry of education is providing new three-ply cloth masks for those that want one.

The Board also installed more HEPA units beyond the ministry's recommendations and will be adding 32 more units when the supply becomes available.

Officials also say they are exploring the possibility of offering vaccine clinics in schools.

The release also reaffirms the board's stance that face-to-face learning is critical to student mental health and well-being and says the board is pleased classes will be resuming. Officials do warn that staff shortages may force some short-term closures of schools.

Those who chose to learn remotely will continue to be able to do so.

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