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River East Transcona School Division
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NEW December 31, 2021

New self-isolation requirements for staff and students:

• All people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate

• Asymptomatic Positive: Isolation requirements are five days since the date of the test for fully-vaccinated people who are not showing symptoms

• Symptomatic Positive: Isolation requirements are five days since the date symptoms started appearing, or the date of the test, whichever is later, for fully-vaccinated people as long as their symptoms are improving and they do not have a fever.

• Individuals who have only isolated for five days due to the changes above must wear medical grade mask while in a public setting for the five days immediately following their self-isolation

• Not fully-vaccinated: Requiring isolation for 10 days after the date of their test as long as their symptoms are improving and they do not have a fever

Please click on the below links for our most current information regarding COVID-19.

Read more about the new self-isolation guidance here.

Health Information 

Updates from RETSD & The Province

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Resources

COVID-19 School Immunization Clinics

FAQ

HEALTH INFORMATION

Specific health concerns should be directed to your family physician or by calling the WRHA Health Links line at (204) 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free). 

As a precaution, here are some ways to stop the spread of germs and reduce the risk of infection:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if handwashing with soap is not possible
  • If you feel ill, stay home
  • COVID-19 Screening Tool

River East Transcona School Division also has the following policy with tips and information on keeping our schools, staff, and students healthy.

COVID-19 VACCINATION & TESTING FOR EMPLOYEES

A Public Health Order was issued by Manitoba Health on September 24, 2021 pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for those working with vulnerable populations, including children.

RETSD is committed to upholding its statutory obligations to provide a safe environment to all students who attend our schools, all employees who work in our facilities, and all members of our community who volunteer or visit our schools.

Therefore, in accordance with the order, RETSD has required employees, volunteers, and post-secondary practicum students who have direct and ongoing contact with students provide proof of full vaccination or undergo testing up to three times a week.

Vaccination is not a requirement of employment. If employees do not choose to be vaccinated, they may provide proof of a recent (within 48 hours) negative COVID-19 test before the start of their shift. 

Employees subject to mandatory testing must complete three rapid tests each week that are provided by the division:

  • Two rapid tests self-administered at home
  • One rapid test, self-administered on-site with designated supervision

All information collected will remain subject to The Personal Health Information Act. Information about an employee's vaccination status will be collected and used only for the purpose of compliance with the Public Health Order (i.e., confirming that employees have met the requirements and determining which employees are subject to mandatory testing).

UPDATES FROM RETSD & THE PROVINCE

  • Is student attendance at school mandatory?

    School attendance is mandatory for children aged 7 to 18 in Manitoba. All students are expected to participate fully in learning, even if remote learning is required.

    Remote learning will be in place for students who have been medically advised not to return to in-class learning due to COVID-related risk factors.


  • If students stay home because they feel unwell, how will they receive their assignments?

    ​Classroom teachers will support the development and provision of at-home learning packages for students who are isolating or quarantined.

  • How will students keep learning if they must remain at home for an extended period and they do not have access to a computer?

    When remote learning is required, students will have access to learning resources, including technology, and connectivity issues will be addressed.


    A guiding principle of our planning is that every student will have consistent, reliable, and appropriate connection to school learning and belonging, regardless of location, barriers, special needs, or challenges. Students, parents, and caregivers will also have accessible resources and supports.


  • If parents are uncomfortable with the risk of having their children resume classroom learning, do they have the option of asking for virtual learning opportunities or extra tutoring resources?

    Virtual learning is not an option. Ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of all students, staff, and families has been a guiding principle in our planning, and public health has determined that it is safe to resume in-class learning while following public health guidance. This includes screening, enhanced hand hygiene, physical distancing, the use of cohorts, and outbreak management, which are paramount in keeping as many students as possible in schools this fall and throughout the pandemic.

    Remote learning will be in place for students who are medically advised not to return to in-class learning due to COVID-related risk factors.


    School staff and administrators will continue to support students in their return to in-class learning. Mental health and well-being are critical factors in returning to in-class learning plans. As such, regular check-ins and informal assessments will play an important role in supporting transitions.


  • How will students get to school?

    School buses will be running in September for those students who are eligible for school bus transportation.

    For the short term, parents are encouraged to transport their own children to school, if at all possible.

    Schools will be implementing protocols to ensure that entry and exit from the school are managed to avoid congestion.


  • Will students, teachers, and staff be required to wear a mask at school or on the bus?

    Yes, masks are required for all RETSD schools, buildings and school buses for all staff, students, parents and visitors.

  • Will there be screening for students before they enter the school?

    ​Students and staff will need to self-screen at home before going to school. Parents and caregivers are responsible for their own child’s self-screening. School staff may conduct screening at school.

  • Are visitors and volunteers allowed in schools?

    Schools will minimize visitors and volunteers at school facilities. When their presence is necessary, visitors and volunteers must first self-screen and adhere to physical distancing, mask use and hygiene practices in place for students and staff. 


  • Will smaller class sizes be implemented to allow for physical distancing, and, if so, will extra school space be converted to classrooms (e.g. gyms)?

    ​Schools and divisions will ensure physical distancing among students, teachers, and staff to the best extent possible, including through the use of alternative spaces like multi-purpose rooms if needed. Class sizes will not be capped, as public health advice does not warrant reducing the number of students to a specific number.

  • Will students be sharing a locker with another student?

    ​Students are encouraged to keep personal belongings with them when they return to school. Depending on the school, locker use may be limited or discontinued.

  • Will the library be open?

    ​Individual schools will make this determination, as this space may be needed as an instructional space to accommodate physical distancing of students.

  • Will there be sharing of books in the library?

    ​Schools are able to operate libraries. Schools will undertake increased frequency of cleaning and sanitization throughout the building, particularly where there are high-touch surfaces and common/shared areas.

  • Will students eat lunch at school? Will there be cafeteria service?

    School divisions will determine whether non-bussed children will remain at school for lunch. Lunch and recess breaks will be staggered throughout the day and, whenever possible, students will remain together with their class or cohort during these breaks. Not all schools offer cafeteria service; for those that do, it will be a local decision whether or not they remain open.


    Students must bring their own lunches, or provided lunches must be individually wrapped in disposable containers. Schools can continue to offer breakfast and lunch programs with necessary adjustments to ensure health guidelines are in place. Schools will have no-sharing policies in place.


  • Will hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies be provided or should staff and students bring their own?

    ​Hand sanitizer, hand soap, and necessary cleaning supplies will be provided at the school. Hand sanitizing stations will also be set up at all school entrances.

  • Will there be special breaks for hand washing and desk cleaning?

    Staff and students will wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at the following times:

    ·                     at the start of the day and before going home

    ·                     after going to the washroom

    ·                     before preparing food

    ·                     before and after eating

    ·                     after getting hands dirty

    ·                     after wiping noses or handling dirty tissues

    ·                     after coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose

    ·                     after cleaning tasks (staff)

    Commonly touched surfaces, including desks, will be disinfected at least twice daily.


  • Will there be additional cleaning and sanitization?

    Increased frequency of cleaning and sanitization, particularly high-touch surfaces and common/shared areas, will be required.


    Commonly touched surfaces will be disinfected frequently—at least twice daily.

    Ample hand-cleaning supplies will be available at all sinks in washroom and kitchen areas.


  • Who is going to clean the desks at the end of each day?

    ​Custodial staff will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting at the school.

  • Will there be recess?

    ​Yes. Lunch and recess breaks will be staggered.

  • Can students use playground equipment?

    Yes. Outdoor activities are encouraged and outdoor spaces and playground structures can be used.

    Public health indicates that playgrounds and play structures are low risk for transmission.

    Each class or cohort will have a separate container of equipment. The equipment will be cleaned between recess periods.

    Zones will be marked to manage group sizes and to minimize contact among groups.

    Contact sports and games, as well as the use of shared equipment, is strongly discouraged.


  • Will there be gym class?

    ​Physical education will continue with necessary modifications for physical distancing. When possible, it is likely that this will occur outside.

  • Will schools shut down if there is a positive case identified in a school?

    Decisions about school closures will be made on a case-by-case basis with public health leading the response and providing guidance, including ensuring appropriate supports are in place to coordinate the response.

    Public health will advise staff and students if they have been in close contact, if they need to self-isolate or self-monitor, and when they can return to school.


  • What happens if a student in a class tests positive? Will parents be notified?

    ​In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 connected with a class, public health will lead the response and provide guidance, including ensuring appropriate supports are in place to coordinate the response. Public health will advise staff and students if they have been in close contact, if they need to self-isolate or self-monitor, and when they can return to school.

  • If a student tests positive for COVID-19 in a class or cohort, would other students who have been in close contact not be allowed back to school for 14 days?

    ​There is no single answer to this question. Public health will take the circumstances of the individual situation into consideration and provide direction on a case-by-case basis. Public health will assess the amount of contact and risk of transmission to inform these decisions.

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