Good Morning Eardley Community,
I hope this email finds you enjoying the sun and staying warm on this last day of March Break. We are looking forward to welcoming back our students tomorrow in true Eardley fashion! I apologize for sending a communication over the weekend; however, we have had an update provided to us from Public Health about protocol to follow if and when a student or staff member exhibits Covid-19 symptoms. Please read the important information attached and below carefully, as our process has changed.
Covid-19 Protocol Update
- What’s new?Headache has been confirmed as a symptom for scenario #2 and will now show up on the Quebec Self-Assessment Tool. Siblings will now be isolated and sent home, even if they present with no symptoms. While awaiting a test result, all people living under the same roof as your child will be required to remain in isolation until the test result is received. Following the receipt of the test result, Public Health will provide further instructions for all people living under the same roof (even if they show no symptoms). If your child has one symptom from scenario #1 or two symptoms from scenario #2 and you decide not to get your child tested for COVID-19, your child must be isolated for 10 days from the onset of symptoms AND continue until symptoms have improved. During this time, your child must not go to school (or daycare). If you do not seek testing, all people living under the same roof (even if they have no symptoms) will be required to quarantine for at least 14 days from when the child’s symptoms first appeared. They must monitor for their own symptoms during this time.
Reminder of the Symptoms Within Scenario #1 & Scenario #2 –
Scenario #1:
Does your child have ANY of the following symptoms? (If a child presents with ONE symptom below, immediately isolated; parent/guardian calls Public Health and are directed to get a test. If you do not want to get your child tested, you can isolate for 10 days).
- Fever (oral temperature 38.1°C (100.6°F) or higher)
- Sudden loss of sense of smell (anosmia) without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste
- Recent cough or worsening of a chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion (of unknown cause)
Scenario #2:
Does your child have any 2 of the following symptoms? (If a child presents with TWO symptoms below, immediately isolated; parent/guardian calls Public Health and are directed to get a test. If you do not want to get your child tested, you can isolate for 10 days).
- Stomach ache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Major fatigue
- Significant loss of appetite
- Generalized muscle pain (not related to physical exertion)
- Headache
If a child presents with one symptom from scenario two, your child will still be isolated and you will be called for pick-up. The protocol following this isolation and pick-up is a 24 hour observation period. This is to ensure that the symptom disappears and that there is no onset of additional symptoms. The parent/guardian will also be instructed to contact Public Health (1-877-644-4545).
The Attestation for Return must be handed in to both Stephanie Lelievre and Samantha Halpin. Proof of a negative Covid-19 Test or communication of the 10 day isolation period must occur before the child’s return to school. The proof and Attestation can be emailed to Stephanie Lelievre and Samantha Halpin (sLelievre@wqsb.qc.ca & shalpin@wqsb.qc.ca)
*Regardless if a child presents with ANY single symptom, they are isolated and sent home and the parent/guardian is directed to call Public Health (1-877-644-4545). A child should not be coming to school sick.*
The Quebec Covid-19 Self-Assessment Tool is an excellent resource – https://covid19.quebec.ca/surveys/cdd2/introduction?language=en-ca
The above information and protocol is the same for any adult or staff member.
Previously Indicated Medical Conditions
- As
we have been practicing, if your child has a pre-existing medical condition
that has been diagnosed by a medical professional which causes Covid like
symptoms, we will use this information during our assessment. *Please ensure
this has been communicated to Samantha Halpin, Stephanie Lelievre and your
child’s homeroom teacher*
- I.e. the child has chronic migraines and has frequent headaches.
- I.e. the child has been diagnosed with anxiety and frequently presents with nausea, an upset stomach and a headache.
- The school will call home and discuss the symptoms that are presented in the context of the pre-existing condition and take the appropriate actions.
Please note that this change has come into effect for all schools across the province of Quebec and this is a direct instruction from Public Health. The school or school board does not have any flexibility or leeway in the above protocols. As always, we will assess the student and the situation at hand; however, our main priority is the safety and security of our staff and students.
I know this is daunting and overwhelming at times, I am here to support in any way that I can. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Please enjoy this sunny day and stay safe.
Samantha Halpin
Principal