PSD COVID-19 Measures Update

September 15, 2021 - Parkland School Division has updated its PSD COVID-19 measures. The Division remains committed to closely monitor the most current situation in our respective communities in order to update and revise our guidance and school re-entry plan as needed. Given the recent rise of delta variant cases in the province and our region, additional measures have been added.

Outbreak Response

With rising community cases, we expect that COVID-19 will be present in PSD schools. As such, we may see COVID-19 or respiratory illness outbreaks. Outbreaks are determined by Alberta Health Services, based on consultation with the school. Families will be notified of a school outbreak via email.

Should a school be determined to have an outbreak, our response will include the following: 

• These measures will include mandatory masking for all staff and students in Grades 4 - 12 for the duration of the outbreak. Changes are reflected in the Parkland School Division Mask Protocol.
• Increased attention to hand hygiene
• Enhanced cleaning of high touch surfaces
• Monitoring for symptoms and complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist

These measures will remain in place for the duration of the outbreak.

PSD To Notify Close Contacts

Additionally, PSD has assumed the responsibility of notifying close contacts of a known positive COVID-19 case. Since there is no legal requirement for close contacts to quarantine, AHS is no longer identifying or notifying individuals who have had close contact to someone with COVID-19. However, as an additional precaution, PSD will notify classes (or fellow bus riders) of close contacts, but only when permission has been granted by the COVID positive individual or their parent/guardian. 

At this time, there is no need to quarantine if you are deemed a close contact; it is recommended that close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case monitor for symptoms.

• If staff or students develop symptoms as listed on the COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklist, they will be asked to please isolate at home and complete the AHS COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool or call Health Link at 811 as soon as possible to arrange for COVID-19 testing.
• Household contacts of a case of COVID-19 are strongly recommended to stay home for at least 14 days from last exposure to the person with COVID-19 if they are not fully immunized.

Reporting Absentee Rates to Alberta Health Services

Parkland School Division is working with Alberta Health Services once a school reports greater than 10% absenteeism. In order to assist AHS in these investigations, we are encouraging parents/guardians to share if their child is experiencing one or more of the following core COVID-19 symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Loss of sense of smell or taste

Individuals are encouraged to report positive COVID-19 tests and record their absence with their school in the regular manner. This will all help with the AHS investigations.

If staff or students develop symptoms as listed on the Alberta Health Daily Checklist, please  isolate at home and complete the AHS COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool or call Health Link at 811 as soon as possible to arrange for COVID-19 testing.

For further information, contact:

Parkland School Division
Email: DivisionOffice@psd.ca
Phone: 780-963-4010