KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit is strongly recommending schools return to indoor masking.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Natalie Bocking sent a letter to parents tonight urging the return to masking and other measures.
“I am writing to you today to highlight the surge in COVID-19 activity that we are experiencing across the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. Despite the lifting of provincial restrictions, the pandemic is not over. As a member of a school community, you have an important role to play in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and helping keep our school communities healthy and safe,” states Bocking. “I strongly recommend that you wear a mask in indoor public spaces, including schools. There is strong evidence that masking is an important layer of protection against COVID-19, especially for those who are not vaccinated (e.g., children under 5 yrs.), or are at risk of severe COVID-19 illness (e.g., immunocompromised and the elderly). Masks should be three-layered, well-fitted, cover the nose and mouth, and should be replaced if damp or visibly soiled.”
The health unit further recommends as a student or school staff member you can help to keep the school community healthy by:
– Completing daily school screening before entering the school
– Staying home when sick or unwell
– Wearing a well-fitted mask when in indoor spaces, especially when two metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained
– Seeking COVID-19 vaccination and/or booster(s) if eligible. Visit COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.
There are 113 active COVID cases reported in the City of Kawartha Lakes at this time, however the health unit says those numbers are an underestimate due to restrictions on PCR testing.
“Thank you for helping to keep our communities healthy.” states the letter.
