The Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit admits this is not your ordinary school year.
There are reports at several area schools of students staying at home because of a myriad of health issues including sniffles or a cough.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon says there’s a reason for that.
“The absenteeism rates are higher because kids are expected to stay home for every single symptom that could be COVID-19. So usually when kids were able to come to school in the past, now they are not able to come to school. So that is affecting absenteeism rates.”
She believes parents, students and staff are making the effort to follow the public health measures.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon adds every student must be screened daily before leaving for school by using an online screening tool.