The province is expecting K-12 schools to be open for the new school year.

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education, announced on Wednesday they’re planning to have students return to classes, however, a final decision won’t be made until the beginning of August.

“We are providing clear direction and the certainty parents and the school system need to plan ahead and get ready for what the new school year may look like,” she added.

“We are hoping, and it is likely, students can return to daily classes at school while taking health precautions, but we have to prepare for all possibilities.”

If this doesn’t happen, the province is considering either partially resuming in-school classes or continuing at home learning.

If they do move forward with resuming classes, there will be a few changes to ensure everyone’s safety. This includes enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, routine screening for all staff and students, continual reminders of the importance of respiratory etiquette, and creating separate rooms for those who develop symptoms at school.

“Educators, administrators, families, health professionals and government all need to work together to support a safe return to in-person classes,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“The reality is, we must weigh the risk of prolonged school closures against the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in closed settings, such as schools. A safe and successful school year will only be possible if we all work together.”

The GoA is providing a re-entry plan for schools where they can get all the information they need to safely resume classes.