Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer said Canadian Schools have a critical role to play in slowing the potential spread of COVID-19.

While the risk of COVID-19 remains low in Nova Scotia, the international situation is rapidly evolving. Health officials tell us that frequent hand washing with soap and warm water remains the best defense against the spread of respiratory illnesses. This is a call to action for all of us.

Here are other important messages to explain at home and to reinforce in school: Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently.

  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and then throw the tissue away.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Don’t share food, utensils, water bottles or drinking glasses.
  • If the soap has run out in the bathroom, tell operations staff to have it replaced.

Remember, if your child is sick, keep them home from school.

Student health, your health and my health depend on us working together to keep many pairs of hands clean.

Here’s what you can do to help:

  • A Proper Hand Washing guide from Public Health can be found here. Print and post in high-traffic areas, including washrooms and kitchens. This guide will be posted throughout the SSRCE schools and offices.
  • Do something each day to remind everyone in the workspace/building to wash their hands (i.e. daily announcements).
  • Encourage all adults to reinforce the importance of practicing good hygiene (i.e. hand washing, coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, not sharing food/drink, utensils).
  • Allow time for students and staff to wash their hands, especially before break and lunch.

Here’s what we are doing to help:

  • Our custodial team is paying attention to disinfecting high-touch surfaces including washrooms, doorknobs, handrails and desktops.
  • Schools will receive an enhanced cleaning during March Break.
  • Hand soap and paper towels are readily available and restocked to make handwashing easier.
  • Communication protocols are in place to keep us up to date and prepared for all circumstances.
  • Our Transportation Department ensures the school buses are in a clean and sanitary condition.

For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit

Thank you for being our partners in learning and good health. Keeping many pairs of hands clean is a big job. It starts with us all rolling up our sleeves!

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