Dear parents, guardians and caregivers,

On February 8, 2022, the Alberta Government announced a three-step plan for the easing of COVID-19 public health measures based on a downward trend in hospitalization rates.

Step 1 (effective Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m.)
– Restriction Exemption Program (REP) ends

Step 1, continued (effective Feb. 14 at 12:01 a.m.)
– Masks no longer required for all children and youth in schools or on school buses
– Masks no longer required in any setting for children aged 12 years and under

Step 2 (Effective March 1, based on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downwards)
– Any remaining provincial school requirements (including cohorting) will be removed
– Screening prior to youth activities will no longer be required (community based)
– Capacity limits will be lifted for all venues
– Limits on social gatherings will be removed
– Provincial mask mandate will be removed
– Mandatory work from home order removed

Step 3 (Date to be determined, based on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downwards)
– COVID-specific measures in continuing care will be removed.
– Mandatory isolation becomes a recommendation only

It is important for you to know what the above mean for our schools. We have updated our 2020-2022 BGSD Pandemic Response Plan to reflect the new government plan. We encourage you to take some time to review the plan – all updates are highlighted in yellow.

Please note that all other public health measures remain in place in schools, including cohorting and enhanced cleaning, promoting and facilitating hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, maintaining two metre physical distance when possible, and staying home when sick. The Division currently still has the authority to move individual classes online if needed to support operations.

The Alberta Government will complete the existing order/distribution for Rapid Antigen Test and medical grade masks. These will continue to be sent to parents who have requested them.

Next Steps
As part of the Government of Alberta’s three-step plan for returning to normal, it is likely that more changes will be coming throughout the next few weeks. We will continue to follow the direction and guidance provided by the Province as they move toward reopening Alberta.

Your continued efforts to safely and effectively manage the operation of our schools with calm and kindness are greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate the challenges of COVID-19.

If you have any questions, please contact your school principal.

Sincerely,

Black Gold School Division