Emerald Ridge Elementary School 15 Motherwell Drive White City, Saskatchewan S4L 0C5 Phone (306) 781-6025 Fax (306) 781-6026 March 28, 2022 Dear ERES Families, Saskatchewan Schools are no longer collecting and reporting information related to cases of COVID-19. However, many parents have opted to continue sharing this information with teachers or office staff when reporting absences. Our staff members have also continued to report if they have tested positive. Over the past week we have noted a significant increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases in both staff and students. Our attendance data also shows an increase in students away due to illness or being sent home ill during the school day. While there are currently no COVID-related public health orders in effect, there are still recommended guidelines in place. Please keep the following in mind: • Routine rapid antigen testing at home will help reduce COVID-19 transmission at school and in the community. Rapid test kits are still available at school. Please follow the link below to request a kit. COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit Request Form • Practice self-monitoring by watching closely for symptoms in yourself and your children. At the first sign of symptoms, such as increase in body temperature or development of a cough or sore throat or shortness of breath, students should stay home and test for COVID-19. • Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately at home. Regardless of vaccination status, it is recommended to self-isolate for five days from the date of test or 24 hours after fever has resolved without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have been improving for at least 48 hours, whichever is later. • Up to 10 days after testing positive, it is recommended to continue to reduce exposures to others by distancing, wearing a mask, practicing respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, and limiting contacts especially with people at high risk for severe illness. • Any students feeling unwell should stay home while symptoms remain significant, even with a negative COVID-19 test. Thank you for your continued support and diligence in keeping our school community as healthy as possible. Sincerely, Sarah Kennedy Principal Emerald Ridge Elementary School