Self-isolation COVID processes updated for Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

As COVID cases rise in Saskatoon, students will likely be spending more time at home following new processes put in motion by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

According to Saskatoon Public Schools, the SHA has updated processes with COVID, ordering full classes to self-isolate if a positive case is connected to the class.

“In the attempt to manage the increased cases along with the challenges of contacting everyone in a timely manner, the SHA has updated its procedures with regards to positive cases in classrooms. For now, every student in the class will be considered a close contact due to the amount of time spent together in the classroom, even with all safety protocols being followed,” a FAQ page on Saskatoon Public School Divsions website reads.

“When there is a positive case in a class, the SHA will direct all students in the class to enter mandatory isolation for a minimum of 14 days from the last day the diagnosed individual attended school. Families will be notified through a letter from the SHA that will provide important information about self-isolation including the date of return. This letter will be provided to the school to send out to the class.”

Other children in the home can continue to attend school, the document goes on to read. Mandatory isolation only applies, in this case, to the child in the impacted classroom.

If an entire class is required to self-isolate, the class will move to online learning, according to the document.

The Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division has also confirmed to 650 CKOM that it falls under the self-isolation criteria within classes and cohorts.