AP 166.1 - Illness in Care - COVID-19

Background

On June 9, 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that in-classroom learning will resume for the 2020-21 school year.

This Administrative Procedure (AP) was created to effectively respond when students exhibit symptoms that may be attributed to COVID-19 while in the school’s care. 

Procedures

1.  General Guidelines:

1.1.  This AP will be communicated to all Horizon parents, caregivers, students, and staff;

1.2.  All employees, caregivers, and students will follow the directives outlined in the most recent Public Health Order;

1.3.  Any student entering a Horizon School Division facility has declared (or their caregiver1 has declared) that they have no flu-like systems, have not been outside of the country in the past 14 days, and have not been in contact with anyone that is not voluntarily being tested or has tested positive for COVID-19;

1.4.  Employees shall not enter private residences or provide personal transportation to students who are ill;

1.5.  Students that have received a positive test for COVID-19 shall remain at home until such time as the MHO determines that they do not pose a public health threat and are safe to return to school;

1.6.  Students  that have been identified as a close contact of a person or persons with COVID-19 shall be required self-isolate for 14 days from the date of last having been exposed to COVID-19 (or as directed by the MHO) and shall not return to school until they have been cleared to do so by the MHO;

        1.6.1.   Contact information for those individuals identified as being a close contact of the affected person will be provided to Health Officials, as required;

        1.6.2.   Prior consent to release contact information is not required, as the health and safety of the affected party supersedes the individual's expectation of  privacy. 

1.7.  Students who  have traveled internationally shall be required to self-isolate for 14 days from date of arrival back into Canada;

1.8.  Any student who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 is required to stay home. The caregiver should notify the school of the reason for the absence;

1.9.  Any student who exhibits symptoms that pose a threat to the health and safety of others will be refused entry to or asked to leave the premises until a public health official determines that they do not pose a public health threat and are safe to return to school;

1.10.  All caregivers are expected to monitor their children for COVID-19 symptoms. It is recommended caregivers  use the online Saskatchewan COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool;

1.11.  Principals shall ensure accurate records of attendance and  seating plans in classrooms and on buses;

1.12.  Schools shall designate a secure area to serve as the space whereby the identified person or persons may be isolated from others and observed until they are able to be effectively removed from the facility. This area is to be used for no other purpose than this; and

1.13.  Schools shall ensure there is a fully equipped Horizon Illness in Care Kit in the isolation room.

2.  Guidelines for Illness in Care:

2.1.  As soon as symptoms are identified, the student must be immediately isolated until they are able to leave the premises;

Symptoms2 include:

2.2.  In the event that a student becomes symptomatic, the principal shall ensure:

2.2.1.  The student is accompanied to the school’s isolation area;

2.2.2.  Appropriate supervision and care for the student;

2.2.3.  The parents or caregivers are notified to pick up the student; 

2.2.4.  That effective health and safety practices are followed while dealing with the student (including the use of PPE, and physical distancing protocols);

2.3.  The principal or designate shall, as soon as reasonably possible:

2.3.1.  Arrange for the immediate cleaning and disinfection of the isolation room;

2.3.2.  Ensure the student’s classroom and desk, along with surrounding desks and any contact surfaces in the classroom and common areas (such as washrooms) are disinfected;

2.3.3.  Advise the Director or designate;

• Any communications or further action regarding the student must be done with the approval of the Director or designate; and

2.4.  In the event that the student’s symptoms are deemed life threatening, 911 shall be called.

¹ Emancipated students will be considered as acting of their own volition and therefore (by attending any of Horizon’s Schools) declare that they have no flu-like systems, have not been outside of the country in the past 14 days, and have not been in contact with anyone that is not voluntarily being tested or has tested positive for COVID-19 without the requirement of a caregiver acting on their behalf.
² It is important to note that not all students with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will actually have the disease, but processes to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 must be followed.

Reference: Section 157, The Education Act
Re-Open Saskatchewan 2020
Saskatchewan Safe Schools Plan

September 3, 2020