At Pembina Hills School Division, the safety of our families, students and staff is our top priority. Please note, the situation regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is constantly changing and we are asking parents, staff and community members to refer the following websites for credible, up-to-date information:
How Pembina Hills School Division is responding
We are taking our direction from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the ministry of education. At this time our schools remain open. Classes will continue until further notice. We have been directed to ensure no more than 250 people are in the same room at any given time. This means:
- Schools with populations greater than 250 will not hold assemblies
- Sporting events have been cancelled
- All field trips are cancelled for March
- Trips scheduled for the remainder of the year are on hold
- Staff have been advised with regard to their travel personal plans and associated expectations
We are also taking the following proactive measures in our schools.
Handwashing
We continue to remind and encourage students and employees of proper hand hygiene to reduce the spread of germs. Our messages include the following:
- Ensure students and employees wash hands with soap and water often. If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, if hands are not visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching their face with unwashed hands.
- Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw it in a garbage bin lined with a plastic bag. Wash hands immediately after that. If they do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into
their sleeve. - When students/employees are sick, they are being advised to stay at home.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are used often and shared by everyone at school.
School Cleaning
We are assessing whether enhanced cleaning practices are needed. We are also assessing the need to order additional supplies of hand sanitizers, hand soap and paper towels in support of hand/desk washing and school cleaning.
Departing travellers (includes staff, students and families)
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer has stated that all travel outside of Canada, including to the United States, is not recommended.
Travellers (including staff, students and families) who returned before March 12:
- Travellers returning from Italy, Iran, China’s Hubei province and the Grand Princess cruise ship should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
- Travellers returning from other countries should monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
- If symptoms develop (cough. fever, fatigue, or difficulty breathing), stay home and call the Health Link 811 for testing.
Travellers (includes staff, students and families) who return after March 12:
- All travellers returning from outside Canada should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms, even if you have no symptoms whatsoever.
- If symptoms develop (cough. fever, fatigue, or difficulty breathing), stay home and call the Health Link 811 for testing.
We recognize that cancelling or altering vacation plans is very disappointing but we must work together to minimize the spread. Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has made these recommendations for the safety of all Albertans.
More information
We will share information with families and staff as necessary. For all updates, visit our COVID-19 Information page.