News Release: Health Unit Releases COVID-19 and School Reopening – Public Health Information for Families Guide

NORTH BAY, ON – Since the July 30, 2020 announcement of the return to in-class learning, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has been working diligently with schools and school boards within our district to help inform and support school reopening efforts. Through these discussions, the Health Unit identified additional information needed by parents and guardians as they prepare their children for a safer return to school. In an effort to help fill this gap, the Health Unit has released COVID-19 and School Reopening – Public Health Information for Families available at myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19SchoolsGuide.

COVID-19 and School Reopening – Public Health Information for Families is a guide for parents and guardians that answers the public health questions they may have for their child’s return to school. The guide is broken down into 15 topic areas, from physical distancing to Health Unit services. It is important to note that status of COVID-19 is always changing and the recommendations within this guide may change over time.

The Health Unit would like to acknowledge the efforts of all parents, guardians, educators, school staff and the broader community, who continue to advocate for the health and safety of our children. Our communities have been working together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These efforts have resulted in reducing the spread of this virus throughout our district.

While we continue to experience very low levels of disease, it is not the time to become unconcerned. Keeping the levels of COVID-19 low within our communities will significantly help to reduce the risk to our children and make the return-to-school safer and successful for all. The public is encouraged to continue to practice public health measures, including physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing or sanitizing hands often, and coughing or sneezing into your sleeve.

As we work together, adapt when needed and continue to follow public health measures, we can support a safer return to school.

For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca