COVID-19 Provincial Update

September 15, 2021

The Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency. This evening, several enhanced public health actions were put into place to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 across the province.

Government of Alberta enhanced measures for schools:

• Mandatory masking for students in Grades 4 and up, plus staff and teachers in all grades.
• Elementary schools to implement class cohorting.
• Indoor sports, fitness, recreation, and performance activities are permitted in schools, with requirements to maintain 2 metre physical distancing where possible.
  • Masks and distancing are not required by youth under 18 while engaged in physical activity.
  • Spectator attendance restricted to 1/3 fire code capacity and limited to households or 2 close contacts for those living alone. Attendees must be masked and distanced. 

Effective tomorrow (Sept. 16), masks will be mandatory for all students grades 4-12 and all division staff members. We kindly ask that parents/guardians send their children (grades 4-12) to school with a clean mask tomorrow.

While enhanced measures are in place, masks will be required in:

• Shared spaces
• Classrooms when students are not sitting at their own desk
• All indoor areas where physical distancing is not possible

We are pleased to be able to continue to provide in-class learning for the incredible students in our division. I want to take a moment to thank you all, for the constant support as we navigate the ever-changing circumstances. As always, we will continue to provide updates to families in a timely manner. 

God bless,

Dwayne Zarichny
Superintendent of Schools
Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

Helpful links:

• COVID-19 public health actions
• COVID-19 Update YouTube - Sept. 15
• Isolation and quarantine requirements
• Daily Health Checklist