Screening tool updated; board 'planning for safe return to school'

Parents and guardians of students in the Near North District School Board can expect more updates from its administration as the first day of school after the winter break approaches.

In a letter sent out late Friday, NNDSB acknowledged several COVID-19-related announcements made by the province as 2021 came to a close and the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spread.

The plan is for Ontario schools to resume Wednesday, Jan. 5, meaning there is no change in the return date for local students.

See related: Here's a breakdown of Ontario's current COVID-19 response

See also: Ontario changing who can access publicly funded COVID testing

"NNDSB staff are looking into the announcements and making plans for a safe return to school. As always, the board will send out relevant information as it becomes available," the letter reads.

The screening tool for Ontario students has been updated to reflect the symptoms of Omicron. The province’s self-assessment screening tool can be found here. The board reminds parents and guardians to make sure students are using the most recent version. The screening tool and other COVID-19 information can be found on the COVID-19 page of the board’s website.

"All are reminded that when returning to school all safety protocols — masking, hand washing, social distancing, etc.— remain in effect," states NNDSB.