Brandon School Division update on COVID-19

Update #2

This afternoon, Manitoba Education announced that all schools in Manitoba will be closed starting March 23 to April 10, 2020. This is a proactive measure to lessen the spread of COVID-19, which is still considered low risk.

For the week of March 16 to 20, 2020, schools will be open, however, if the parent chooses to self-isolate or increase the degree of social distancing for their child, Brandon School Division will provide programming and support.

There will be no classes during Spring Break, March 30 to April 3, 2020.

During the weeks of March 23 to 27 and April 6 to 9, students will not be attending school. Plans are currently being created and will be communicated to parents next week.

We understand that parents will have questions. Brandon School Division is committed to working with parents to provide answers and to address any challenges that may arise in the upcoming week.

Brandon School Division will be continually monitoring this highly fluid situation and will be communicating with health authorities and the provincial government. Brandon School Division will provide regular updates through the website/social media.

Update #1

Brandon School Division has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation and following the expert advice of health authorities. The Public Health of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada. While our region has not experienced the same level of risk as other jurisdictions, we started contingency plans in February as a proactive step. As a result of this planning, a number of preventative measures have been implemented to assist in managing the level of risk.

 Custodial training in best practices for disinfection of surfaces
 Increased frequency of disinfection of high touch surfaces
 Implementation of disinfecting procedures on buses twice per day
 Promotion of handwashing
 Increased signage for effective hand washing procedures
 Cancellation of international trips for students
 Cancellation of out of country travel for staff professional development
 Regular monitoring/consulting with Public Health

On March 12, 2020, Manitobans were recommended to use Social Distancing Strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19. 3While Brandon School Division is not aware of any confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 or confirmed contacts in the region, we believe we can play a major role in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Brandon School Division is now implementing the additional preventative measures.

 Creation of a link on the Brandon School Division website for bulletins/updates to keep parents, students and staff informed
 Social media notifications when an update is posted on the website
 Cancellation of staff attendance at conferences
 Cancellation of out-of-province and overnight student trips
 Review upcoming off-site day trips regarding cancellation
 Cancellation of school assemblies and public events
 Restriction of school visitors
 Increase the frequency of high touch surfaces disinfection
 Provide further custodial training to reflect the increased cleaning expectations
 Provide students and staff with hygiene training: hand wash training with soap and water for at least 15 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue; and appropriate disposal of tissue
 Instruct staff and students to stay at home when ill
 Instruct staff and students who are returning from traveling out of province to follow the health guidelines for self isolation and self monitoring
 Schools offer support to parents for distance learning opportunities if the parent decides to self isolate or increase the degree of social distancing for their child
 Provide resources to school staff and parents to assist in working with students that are experiencing anxiety over COVID-19

Brandon School Division will be continually monitoring this highly fluid situation and will be communicating with health authorities. Brandon School Division will provide regular updates through the website/social media.