**This email was sent to all members of the NBTF.**
Communiqué: Update on Return of Students
Following today’s press conference, the NBTF would like to provide an update to its membership regarding the return to class for all students, which Minister Cardy has indicated is tentatively scheduled for January 31, based on recommendations by Public Health. First, we welcome the financial investment to place 2,000 units of portable air filtration systems for the 60 schools identified in the ventilation report, all of which are to be installed by January 31. The Minister also confirmed the availability of KN95 masks or equivalent for all educational staff in schools, and that proper mask use would be reinforced for students.While these efforts are acknowledged and appreciated, the NBTF would like to reiterate that the Communiqué sent on January 17 outlined several measures that together would, in our view, provide our best assurance of healthy and safe schools for all:
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Availability of rapid testing kits in schools
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Ability to physically distance in class
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Redeployment and hiring of additional qualified human resources in schools
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Establishment of parameters around what is acceptable staffing standards for schools to remain operational
We will provide an update when further information is received concerning a return to in-person learning.