Self-Screening
All staff and students will complete the COVID-19 School Screening checklist every day before attending school or work.
Flow of Traffic/Signage to Facilitate Physical Distancing
One-way use of hallways, adjustments to recess and lunch breaks, changes to entrance and exit practices, adjustments to the use of playgrounds.
Signage
Signage posted throughout the school to reinforce physical distancing, hallway direction, hand hygiene, room capacity, etc.
Hand Hygiene
Hand sanitizer stations in every class and in selected common areas. Students will be directed to wash their hands at appropriate times during the school day. Students and staff are permitted to bring their own, scent-free hand sanitizer to school.
Masks
Students in Grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks inside the school, including in hallways and during classes. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be encouraged, but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces. Students are permitted to wear their own masks that meet public health standards. Staff will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing will be promoted between students and staff. The physical distancing measures will be reinforced through adaptations to the schedule, cohorting of students, flow of traffic and signage.
Student Cohorts
Students in an elementary and high school will be cohorted with their classmates and there will be limited contact with other subject teachers. The maximum number of student contacts at the elementary level is 50 and at the secondary level student contacts will be limited to no more than 100 in each quadmester.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
Custodial staff will complete ongoing, enhanced cleaning at schools and board office locations, including twice-daily and once in the evening cleaning of desktops, common touch points and washroom facilities. In addition, we are receiving funding from the Ministry to add additional custodial time in our schools. Upgraded filters are being installed in every school.
Following the COVID-19 Protocol for Suspected or Confirmed Cases
All students and staff will be required to follow a protocol (based on the guidance of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit) when dealing with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.