Ontario Premier Doug Ford released the Operational guidance: COVID-19 management in schools document at a news conference on August 26, 2020. The document is an aid for schools to identify, isolate and decrease the spread of the coronavirus.
Premier Doug Ford, Dr. Dirk Huyer, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health attended Wednesday’s news conference.
Dr. Dirk Huyer will act as Coordinator, Provincial Outbreak Response, heading up the province’s efforts to control COVID-19 in sectors such as education, along with agriculture, child care and health care. Dr. Huyer was formerly the Executive Lead for the COVID-19 Testing Approach at the Command Table and is the Chief Coroner for Ontario.
“Just as many schools have fire safety and emergency response plans, we have been working hand in hand with the medical experts to develop a plan that will allow schools to quickly and effectively find, isolate and contain a COVID-19 case or outbreak,” Premier Ford said.
“With medical experts helping to develop and support our plan, parents, teachers and educators can be confident every measure has been taken to put the health and safety of students and staff first.”
“Ontario’s COVID-19 management plan for schools was developed by medical leaders, with one aim: to maximize safety and minimize the risk to your children,” Minister Lecce said.
“We have the resources in place ― from nursing to testing and enhanced screening and cleaning ― to help prevent the spread, coupled with a comprehensive plan to respond to any challenge immediately and decisively, under the leadership of Dr. Huyer.”
“The Government of Ontario needs to be prepared to identify and mitigate outbreaks, especially in settings such as schools and child care centres,” said Dr. Huyer. “Through enhanced planning across government, we will be positioned to intervene quickly to prevent outbreaks and the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr. Williams is providing his COVID-19 Guidance: School Outbreak Management for health and public health units to use for investigations in Ontario schools.
“As schools welcome students and teachers back in the coming weeks, it’s important for everyone to be informed and understand their role in keeping each other safe,” he said.
“This guidance document provides a thorough management plan for school boards, schools, parents and community partners like public health units to respond to COVID-19.”
For more:
Ontario Releases COVID-19 Management Plan for Schools
Operational guidance: COVID-19 management in schools
COVID-19 Guidance: School Outbreak Management
Photo by Mike Gosselin