Ontario is in the midst of its second state of emergency since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and is now under a stay-at-home order that came into effect as Wednesday turned to Thursday.
Ontarians are directed to stay at home except for essential travel — and to follow the restrictions and public health measures. According to the Ontario government, the "stay-at-home order requires everyone to remain at home with exceptions for permitted purposes or activities, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for work where the work cannot be done remotely."
And, in Northern Ontario, go to school.
"This order and other new and existing public health restrictions are aimed at limiting people's mobility and reducing the number of daily contacts with those outside an immediate household. In addition to limiting outings for these purposes, all businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home," reads the most recent set of provincial directives.
See related story: A look at Ontario's new stay-at-home order
And: WATCH: Premier says stay-at-home orders will be enforced
Local school boards have been busy analyzing the new provincial directives to see how they affect students who returned to in-class learning, Monday.
In consultation with the Ministry of Education and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit here are some of the in-person learning changes that affect staff and students of local school boards:
Masks are now required for students in Grades 1-3
- Masks are now required outdoors if physical distancing is not possible
- There are enhanced screening protocols
- There is expanded targeted testing
Local schools are encouraging students to pack extra masks in case theirs get wet while they are outside for recess.
Similar to information sent home for students who take school transportation, scarves may not be substituted for masks in a school setting.
See related story: Neck gaiters, scarves, or balaclavas no substitute for a face covering on school buses
"Our focus will remain on keeping your children and all staff safe," said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce in a recent news conference in reference to asymptomatic testing in schools and high-risk communities.
An extension of remote learning was announced for schools in Southern Ontario. Based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, schools in the Windsor-Essex, Peel Region, Toronto, York, and Hamilton public health units will not return to in-person instruction until Feb. 10.
See the full news release: Ontario issues stay-at-home order and introduces enhanced measures to reduce mobility
Schools in the north will continue to operate in-person. As it is located in the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit service area, MacTier Public School, although part of the Near North District School Board, will continue with virtual learning.
