Medical Officer of Health Natalie Casaclang from the Northern Health Region says schools are doing a lot of planning and preparation to prevent COVID 19 from coming into the schools including staff screening, hand washing, and physical distancing. She advised it would be important to find out what your school’s specific plan is as each school will be developing their own plan and knowing that plan and adhering to that plan as much as possible would be an important step in protecting their children and second it will be important as well to have conservations with their children as their kids themselves may have their own fears and their own questions.

She adds wearing a mask should not take the place of physical distancing and hand washing. Parents who want their children to wear masks at school are encouraged to have them practice at home first so they can get a feel for wearing one.

It’s also important that children refrain from sharing food and drinks with their classmates to prevent the spread of germs and to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID 19.