Superintendent’s Update
February 25, 2022
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Public health officials have announced that Manitoba is lifting proof of vaccination requirements beginning March 1, 2022. The following changes to public health orders will impact schools in Manitoba:
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required in public places as of March 1, 2022. For schools, this means that proof of vaccination will no longer be required for visitors to schools, and it will no longer be required for adults (age 18+) to participate in a sport or extracurricular activity.
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for designated school staff as of March 1, 2022. Designated unvaccinated staff working in the education and child care sectors will no longer be required to undergo mandatory rapid antigen testing after February 28, 2022.
Rapid antigen testing is recommended for individuals if they have symptoms. Schools are now able to provide Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and staff with access to rapid antigen tests for use when symptomatic. Please contact your school should you require a Rapid Antigen Test for a symptomatic child.
Public health officials may recommend the use of rapid antigen tests at Manitoba schools experiencing high case numbers or high levels of absenteeism, and schools may be directed to distribute additional tests as required at that time. Testing would be voluntary and would be recommended for students and staff if they develop symptoms.
A reminder that schools remain in the Caution level (Yellow) on the Pandemic Response System (PRS) and will continue to implement measures as outlined in the provincial Measures for K-12 Schools document.
We expect additional loosening of restrictions to take place on March 15, 2022, and we are committed to providing timely correspondence of changes.
As always, the Hanover School Division will continue to follow the Public Health Orders and Manitoba Education guidance to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and school communities. Thank you for your continued support, cooperation, and patience.
Respectfully,
Shelley Amos, Superintendent/CEO
Hanover School Division