The division is prepared to move to online learning or cancel extracurricular activities. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

at school

NLSD preparing for increase in COVID-19 cases

Jan 5, 2022 | 5:00 PM

The Northern Lights School Division is preparing for an increase in COVID cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant.

The school division released a letter to the public Wednesday, which stated the increasing number of cases in local communities and recent changes announced by the government is raising concerns about attendance, in-person instruction and online learning.

Some changes include no longer needing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for asymptomatic individuals if a positive result has already been determined through a rapid antigen test. Also, fully vaccinated asymptomatic residents who receive a positive COVID result on a rapid antigen test or PCR test will be required to self-isolate for five days, down from 10 days.

“We know that as the transmissible variant Omicron becomes dominant in our province, we are likely to see increases to the number of cases in schools,” the letter states. “Public health has advised that infection can and do occur in fully vaccinated individuals, but evidence suggests cases in vaccinated individuals and children are not severe.”

The school division is requesting all families to call and inform the school if their child tests positive for COVID on an at-home rapid test. Once reported, the school will send a letter to the impacted classes making students and families aware that there has been a positive case in the classroom. The child’s personal identity and details will not be shared.

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School officials will continue to work with public health to monitor cases in schools and will make changes such as moving classes to remote learning temporarily or cancel extracurricular activities if needed. If families are concerned about children returning to school, the division offers learning from home through online programming for students between Kindergarten to Grade 9.

“Northern Lights School Division continues to encourage all residents who are eligible to receive their vaccine or booster shot s soon as possible and to make regular use of rapid tests and to stay home if you are feeling sick,” the letter states. “We are extremely grateful to our committed families and staff who continue to show great flexibility and resilience as we work together to contain the spread of this virus.”

Those who require additional support related to questions about self-isolation requirements can call Healthline at 811.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno