In-person learning resumes at Nova Scotia schools

Last week, the province made preparations by installing HEPA filtration systems for a number of schools and securing 3-ply masks for all staff and students

CityNews Halifax Staff

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Students in Nova Scotia are set to return to classrooms on Monday after a week of online learning and an extended holiday break.

Schools were originally supposed to reopen to students on Jan. 10 but concerns raised over ventilation systems and surging cases of COVID-19 prompted the province to change course.

Last week, the province made preparations by installing HEPA filtration systems for a number of schools and securing 3-ply masks for all staff and students.

“We look forward to having all students back to in-person learning on Monday, as school is the best place for students’ emotional, social, physical and intellectual well-being and development,” said Halifax Regional Centre for Education spokesperson Doug Hadley in an emailed statement.

Education Minister Becky Druhan told CityNews Halifax life for students will look very similar to last year, adding she’s confident in the safety of the schools.

“I’m in the middle of this pandemic too and we know that staffing is a challenge in a variety of places,” she said. “So we do anticipate that as people follow public health’s direction and stay home when they’re sick that we’ll have staffing challenges. But we’re prepared for those and we’ll work through those.”

According to the HRCE, schools will limit mixing of different classes/groups in all areas of the school, including the cafeteria and hallways.

Large gatherings such assemblies and dances will be postponed, there will be limits on sports and music activities and non-essential visitors will not be allowed in schools.

The province said schools will continue to follow public health guidance regarding testing, isolation and case management.