Alberta Says Students Can Expect A 'Normal School Year' With Almost Zero Restrictions
Masks won't be mandatory.
Officials have revealed Alberta's back-to-school plan for the fall of 2021. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, August 13 Dr. Deena Hinshaw and Minister Adriana LaGrange shared an overview with the public.
Hinshaw said that things like staying home when sick and hygiene practices will be in place. However, "masking will not be universally required in schools across the province but may be recommended as one of several temporary interventions for respiratory outbreaks in general."
COVID-19 and back to school - Aug. 13 at 9:30amwww.youtube.com
She said that school officials and families can make decisions about what is best for them and their communities. She noted that there will be COVID-19 vaccines offered in schools as of September 7 for students in grades 7 to 12 and staff.
Minister LaGrange spoke next. "Parents, students, and school staff can look forward to a normal school year the September which includes the return to in-person classes, field trips, team sports, extracurricular clubs, school celebrations and re-connecting with friends and colleagues," she said.
"International student programs, work experience and graduation celebrations can all continue as they normally would and all with no restrictions."
She did say that students and staff should screen daily for core symptoms and isolate if they have symptoms or test positive.
While there will be virtually no restrictions, masking on school buses will be required until at least September 27. She also noted that there are contingency plans in place if needed.