Interim Director of Public Health Dr. Luc Boileau made an announcement on Feb. 23 that the Quebec government would be further relaxing some of the restrictive measures in schools upon the students’ return from March break.
The decision, according to Boileau, is based on the current evolution of the fifth wave of the pandemic. Though they anticipate a higher infection rate when the children return to school, they believe it is once again, a calculated risk.
Officials have been in continued consultations with pediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, audiologists, psychoeductors, occupational therapists and educational consultants throughout the pandemic. Therefore, it has been decided that the benefits outweigh the risks at this stage, Boileau stated.
Lifting the mask restrictions will help with the students’ socialization and basic learning skills, as well as help those with language and learning problems.
Preschool, Elementary and secondary schools
As of March 7, students of both elementary and secondary schools will no longer be required to wear a mask while remaining seated in class.
However, wearing a mask remains mandatory at all times while students are inside the school in classrooms, at the daycare, in common areas and while students are circulating. It is also still mandatory while using school transportation.
Adult education and vocational training Wearing a mask remains mandatory at all times, even while in class. In accordance with CNESST guidelines, all staff members must also wear masks.
As of March 1, CISSSO listed the following statistics for the Pontiac area:
Alleyn-et-Cawood: 9 (+1)
Bristol: 20 (+1)
Bryson: 36 (no increase)
Campbell’s Bay: 40 (no increase)
Chichester: 32 (no increase)
Clarendon: 5 or fewer (no increase)
Fort-Coulonge: 137 (+4)
Île-du-Grand-Calumet: 18 (no increase)
L’Îsles-aux-Allumettes: 40 (+1)
Litchfield: 5 or fewer (no increase)
Mansfield and Pontefract: 217 (+7)
Otter Lake: 43 (+1)
Portage-du-Fort: 5 or fewer (no increase)
Rapide-des-Joachims 5 or fewer (no increase)
Shawville: 120 (+3)
Sheenboro: 5 or fewer (no increase)
Thorne: 5 or fewer (no increase)
Waltham: 20 (no increase)
by Carole St-Aubin
Pontiac Feb.28, 2022
