New isolation rules in the Kingston area have led to staff shortages and a shift toward online learning for several Limestone District School Board schools.
On Sunday night, the LDSB sent communications to families via the schools’ communications relay system informing them of the closure, and on Monday morning posted them on social media, including additional schools that were making the change.
So far, LDSB has included Amherstview Public School, Molly Brant Elementary School, Bath Public School, Polson Park Public School, Module de l’Acadie, Challenge Program at Calvin Park Public School, Odessa Public School, Southview Public School, Storrington Public School as as well as Nexus in Odessa and the LD program in Southview on the pivot to online learning.
“We sincerely apologize for these circumstances and recognize the challenges this presents for many families,” LDSB social accounts posted.
“However, we cannot effectively or safely operate classes for in-person learning without sufficient staff.”
With COVID numbers running wild in the region, KFL & A Public Health announced stricter regulations for capacity limits and isolation requirements, which will last at least next week.
Close contacts of a positive case must now isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status and regardless of a negative PCR test.
Close contacts are also required to receive a PCR after their 7th day of isolation, and if not, they should isolate an additional 10 days.
Because of these measures, LDSB says they are unable to staff schools properly and safely.
Classes instructed to isolate themselves due to exposure to COVID-19 are asked to take their personal belongings home and are also provided their rapid tests and devices as needed to transition to remote learning during the rest of the week.
At this point, it doesn’t seem like the entire school board will switch to online learning, but communications officer Karen Smith said other schools may have to switch to online learning as well later this week.
This week, the school board also purchased 5-pack test kits for each full-time, part-time, and occasional staff member.
This is the last week of school before winter break begins.
Reference-ygknews.ca