Dear parents/guardians and caregivers,

On February 26, 2022, the provincial government announced it will lift almost all remaining health restrictions in Alberta as we enter Step 2 of their easing restrictions plan.

Step 2 is effective March 1, 2022, and the following changes will be implemented across Black Gold School Division (BGSD):

• Remaining provincially-mandated school requirements (including cohorting and physical distancing) will be removed.
• The mask mandate will be lifted in schools (adults are no longer required to wear masks).
• Screening prior to youth activities will no longer be required.
• Capacity limits will be lifted for all venues.
• Limits on social gatherings will be removed.
• NOTE: Isolation requirements remain mandatory for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.

The most important health measure for students, staff, parents/guardians and visitors is to stay home when sick, and practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

All masking requirements have been lifted; however, masking during the school day remains a personal health choice for students, staff, parents/guardians and visitors. Our schools will continue to provide a supportive environment for everyone, whether they choose to wear a mask or not.

While no longer required, the Division is committing to continue with enhanced cleaning protocols in schools and on school buses to the end of the school year, with ongoing emphasis on high-touch, high-traffic areas.

In response to the Province’s announcement, we have released a new 2021-2022 BGSD Easing Restrictions: Moving from Pandemic to Endemic Plan. We will update this plan as needed as we continue to follow the direction provided by the Alberta Government, Alberta Health Services, and the Chief Medical Officer of Health as they move toward reopening the province..

Thank you to our entire school community as we continue to adapt our school operations to meet the updated guidelines to keep students, staff, parents/guardians, and school visitors safe. Your continued support and understanding is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, please contact your school principal.

Sincerely,

Black Gold School Division