Due to ongoing planning efforts between the Departments of Education and Health and Community Services, the decision on whether to resume in-person classes on January 24 has been deferred to Thursday, January 20.
As Monday, January 24 remains the target date for resumption of in-person classes, the rollout of rapid self-test kits for NLESD and CSFP schools will begin tomorrow at schools throughout the province. Parents and guardians, teachers and staff should receive notice today or tomorrow morning from their school administrator on the specific process for accessing kits in their own school communities.
Prior to the resumption of classes, all students, teachers and staff will be required to take two tests at home approximately 72 hours apart. Everyone receiving a kit is asked to hold it in a secure location until receiving the official go-ahead to begin the testing process. This notification will come in the form of a public advisory from the Provincial Government and communication from your school administrator.
While Monday, January 24 remains the target date for the return to in-class instruction, both departments continue to monitor the risk level for schools and to liaise with education partners, including the school districts and unions, before a final decision is made.
More information will be provided during the next COVID-19 update on Thursday, January 20. Specific details for that briefing, including how people can watch will be provided tomorrow (Wednesday, January 19).
Note, with a briefing planned for Thursday, there will not be a COVID-19 briefing tomorrow.