A group of parents is calling on the province to step in as COVID-19 cases are being connected to Halifax-area schools.
The volunteer group, Nova Scotia Parents for Public Education, says it’s gravely concerned about the current approach to addressing the virus.
A statement posted to its website on Monday, says there have been several exposures at Halifax West High School for example, including 5 new cases announced on the weekend.
“Parents are informing us that many families have received several close contact notices,” says spokesperson Stacey Rudderham. “The frequency and number of cases in this school is highlighting the fact that current protocols do not seem to be working. And there seems to be an absence of any approaches that could stop spread.”
The province recently started providing information online daily on schools impacted by COVID-19 following concerns from parents.
There have been seven exposure notices issued for Halifax West since September 22nd.
Several other schools covered by the Halifax Regional Centre for Education have also been hit with multiple exposure notices, including Duc d’Anville Elementary, Ross Road School, and Prospect Road Elementary.
The government reporting only lists exposures and does not provide a break down on the number of cases at schools.
The parents’ group says this information lags behind the spread of the virus, and they want to see more done to prevent COVID from hitting the community.
“Our student population is not an isolated bubble,” the statement says. “They are part of the overall community and their lives and families cross over with younger students who are not yet eligible for vaccination, the general public through their jobs and activities, and more.”
They recommend entire schools get tested when a positive case pops up.
Restrictions have been put in place as the sites where cases have been linked, including the following:
- Non-essential visitors, including parents/guardians will not be allowed into the building. This includes the use of our gymnasium by outside groups.
- There will be a limit to extra-curricular activities, including field trips.
- Movement within the building and among classes will be minimized.
- Enhanced cleaning will take place every evening and on the weekend.
