Removal of Provincial Health Measures in Schools

Effective Tuesday, March 1, Alberta will begin step two of the plan to reduce provincial health measures. This includes:

• Masks

• Provincial mask mandate will be lifted for everyone, including adults in schools and for bus drivers

• Individuals can continue to wear masks and will be supported if they choose to do so

• Any remaining school requirements removed, including:

• K-6 cohorting

• Physical distancing requirements

• Capacity limits on indoor and outdoor events

• Note, schools are fully open to spectators at events and to visitors

We recognized that some practices developed during the pandemic helped to improve the overall operation of schools. Individual schools may choose to keep some of the following practices in place:

• Using designated entrances or having staggered release times to ease congestion during peak times

• Reviewing the setup of classrooms and common areas (ie: classroom desks in groupings rather than in rows)

As many furnishings were put in storage due to physical distancing requirements, it will take some time to return items to our school sites.

Please also note:

• Schools are now open to user groups

• As per Alberta Government, the Daily Health Checklist and mandatory isolation requirements remain in place until Step 3

• Schools still have a supply of masks and rapid tests for families requesting them. If interested, please contact your school

• Our additional cleaning practices will remain in effect at this time

• With respect to curricular or extracurricular field trips outside of our division, we must adhere to local rules and bylaws (ie: Edmonton still has a mask bylaw in place)

We are grateful for your continued patience, understanding and cooperation.