COVID-19 Notifications

January 13, 2022 - Recently, the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services announced changes to the way schools are notified about outbreaks and positive COVID-19 cases. The province has indicated that schools will not be informed about individual cases of COVID-19.

Also, as of January 10th, the availability of PCR tests for Albertans changed. Details can be found in the Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw's update. PCR testing eligibility will now be focused on those who have clinical risk factors for severe outcomes and those who live and work in high-risk settings. This does not include school settings.

In the absence of PCR testing, parents/guardians are encouraged to use the rapid antigen tests that are being supplied by the government if their child presents COVID-19 symptoms outlined on the Alberta Daily Checklist from AHS. Parents/guardians are asked to report any positive test results to their respective schools. If you have any questions please contact the school office.

Further information about symptoms and testing or isolation requirements can be found on PSD's Stay at Home Guide. 

Dr. Hinshaw has also stated, "The Omicron variant is so prevalent in our communities right now that, if you have COVID-19 symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, or loss of sense of smell or taste, you should assume you have COVID-19 and are legally required to isolate."

With all of the previously stated factors considered, this makes it difficult to get a clear picture of case numbers in our schools and classrooms. With the absence of AHS confirmed positive cases and reporting to schools, PSD will not be sending home classroom notifications for individual cases.

However, PSD remains committed to keeping our parents/guardians informed as best we can. Therefore, each PSD school will post any self-reported positive cases of COVID-19 weekly on their school websites. 

For further information, please refer to PSD's COVID-19 Info page.