STATEMENT ON CHANGES TO SCHOOL SYMPTOM LIST

Alberta NDP Education Critic Sarah Hoffman issued the following statement:

“The Alberta NDP have been calling for a cap on class sizes since July. Now, with outbreaks at an all-time high, we see a loosening of restrictions on symptoms that tell students and staff when they should be staying home from school. Today’s announcement from the Chief Medical Officer of Health comes on the heels of a substantial lack of leadership and support from the Premier and Minister of Education for a safe school reopening. 

“Dr Hinshaw confirmed today that the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is avoid large gatherings. Yet, we have classrooms with more than 35 students crammed together, less than a metre apart.

“It is critically important that we find ways to keep students in school and I fear that today’s changes to the symptoms list are being driven by a Premier who is scrambling to make up for failing to properly prepare for the fall school year. I know many parents are scared that their children have come in close contact with COVID-19 at school. I also know they’re frustrated as thousands of students have been forced into isolation at home.

“We maintain our willingness to work with the UCP Government on a plan for safer schools moving forward. The safety of students and staff should be paramount.”