Concerns remain about return to in-person learning: SOS Alberta
Posted May 20, 2021 11:20 am.
Last Updated May 20, 2021 11:25 am.
EDMONTON – With students set to return to classrooms after the long weekend, there’s some skepticism around the supposed safety of schools during this third wave of the pandemic.
Cases are going down and vaccinations are rising, but there are still 1,000 active cases linked to schools after two weeks of online learning.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw and Education Minister Adriana LaGrange said Wednesday the transition to online was driven by operational pressures due to staff in isolation and parents shouldn’t feel as anxious right now.
However, Wing Li with Support Our Students Alberta says the province should be upfront about thresholds for cases that may force a return to online learning.
“For anybody, [1,000 active cases] sounds high,” said Li. “Having the benchmark publicized would be really helpful.”
Li says not enough time has passed to account for everyone to get vaccinated, and kids under 12 are still at risk.
“Opening up with no changes to the supposed plan is problematic. Any additions and creative solutions moving ahead will just mitigate the risk.”
She says online learning isn’t ideal but safety has to be top of mind.
“We all want this to end. The pandemic situation, obviously, has been very difficult. But if this keeps pushing the finish line further away if we increase cases with reopening then that’s not good for students in the long run.”
-with files from Joey Chini
