Contact tracing to return to Alberta schools, province adds additional measures to combat COVID-19

School COVID-19 outbreaks will be publicly reported when 10 or more cases are recorded within a 14-day period that were infectious while at school.

As of October 12, parents will begin to be notified if their child may have been exposed to a COVID-19 case that was infectious while at school.

For the time being, school authorities will support an interim process for contact notification using data supplied daily by Alberta Health Services. AHS will take the lead over contact tracing in schools over the next several weeks.

Alberta chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, says the system being implemented this time around is similar to the last school year.

“By returning to reporting infectious cases to schools like we did last year, we are providing schools the tools and information they need during a challenging fourth wave. I encourage everyone to do their part. Get vaccinated if you haven’t already and follow all public health measures to protect those around you.”

The province also announced a new at-home rapid testing program.

The provincial government will be offering a targeted rapid testing program for K-6 schools currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. Rapid tests will be distributed because vaccines are not yet available to students in these age groups.

Provincial officials also added that they’ll be sending a letter to all of the school divisions in the province, encouraging all school authorities to develop policies that require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for teachers, staff and anyone who enters a school. This does not apply to students.

Third doses:

Third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to Albertans aged 75 and older, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people age 65 and older as of October 6.

This follows the Alberta Advisory Committee on Immunization’s recommendation.

In order to receive a third dose, you must have waited at least six months since your second. Prior to the announcement, the province had only offered third doses to immunocompromised Albertans and seniors in congregate living facilities.

Outdoor gathering restrictions:

Looking to avoid a similar situation Alberta saw last November and December with the pandemic, Premier Kenney announced that all private outdoor gathering limits will be lowered from a maximum of 200 people down to 20 people.

All other previous public health measures will remain in place at this time.

Kenney said this Thanksgiving it is crucial to listen to the current set of restrictions, so we don’t have a repeat of last year.

“My message is simple, please follow the rules in place. To be blunt, no indoor social gatherings are permitted outside of a household for people who are unvaccinated. For those who are vaccinated, indoor social gatherings are limited to two households for up to two people for those aged 12 and older.”

Dr. Hinshaw reiterated the importance of following the rules.

“This coming weekend for Thanksgiving, I am asking for you not to just meet, but exceed the rules we have in place,” said Hinshaw.

“Show your care for your family by having a small gathering, preferably outside. Don’t have any indoor gatherings unless you are 100 per cent sure that everyone is fully vaccinated. Even then, it is only 10 people aged 12 and older from two households.”

Full details regarding the new measures can be found on the Alberta government website.

by Shane Clausing

Contact tracing to return to Alberta schools, province adds additional measures to combat COVID-19

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