The federal government has allotted up to $2 billion to assist provinces and territories to ensure that the schools can reopen and provide a safe learning environment for all students as well as a safe working environment for faculty and staff while minimizing the risks of exposure.
The provinces and territories have discretion over the funds as to how they want to spend it. Whether it be for setting up proper air ventilation and learning spaces to ensure social distancing in classrooms, improve hygiene and hand sanitation, or even purchase personal protective equipment (PPEs) and cleaning supplies.
The schools, which comprise the board, faculty, and staff, are expected to be transparent and keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases in schools by setting up a COVID-19 advisory section on the school boards and websites.
Aside from this, it is expected that the school will abide by the proper protocols wherein one case can trigger a public health response, and if there are two or more cases, then an outbreak should be declared.
As for parents, it is their role to check their children’s temperature every day before sending them to school and make sure to keep them home if they experience COVID-19 symptoms. The same applies to students who are of age.