The medical officer of health for the Simcoe-Muskoka region is hoping for a back-to-school plan accounting for two different age groups and control measures suited to each during COVID-19.
Dr. Charles Gardner called the return-to-school planning a “balancing act of needs.”
“Education is critically important for the well-being of children,” he said. “Certainly, we all want school to happen, but to happen in a safe way.”
While Gardner is awaiting the announcement from the provincial government on what control measures will be in place as kids return to school in September, he has a few ideas for how he thinks kids should go back to the classroom.
“There are almost two groups to be considered – younger children and adolescents,” Gardner said during a media briefing today.
He said COVID-19 doesn’t transmit as well in younger children, but for adolescents, the virus and transmission is similar to young adults.
“The approach one would take for control measures will be different for two groups,” said Gardner. “I hope there will be measures taken to allow for full-time attendance for younger grades to meet their needs and the needs of their families.”
For older grades, Gardner said there could be a place for a hybrid model that combines in-class and online learning.
“It is more feasible for older ages to do some work remotely to reduce class sizes,” he said.
School hallways, like grocery store aisles, will also likely be decked out in directional stickers to control movement and promote physical distancing.
“The approaches will probably involve identifying cohorts of children to stay together in smaller groups to reduce wider transmission through the whole school,” Gardner predicted. “And there will probably be an emphasis on protecting teachers. … They might be at greater risk.”
There are also the issues of transporting kids, cleaning the schools, and mask use for older children.
“There’s a lot to be worked out,” said Gardner.
He recommended an emphasis on surveillance of teachers and students, and individuals staying home if they experience symptoms of illness. The public health units will also need to have plans in place to respond to potential outbreaks at schools.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he's finalizing plans with public health officials and, later this week, will announce the plan to reopen the province’s schools in September.
