STF demands stricter COVID measures in Saskatchewan schools

Action needs to be taken to reduce COVID-19 transmission in schools.

That’s according to the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), which released an open letter to the Government of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.

“Our health-care system is in crisis,” STF president Patrick Maze said. “The same decisions that created that crisis are being felt in schools throughout the province.

“Significant in-school transmission is occurring. Because of the confusion, lack of co-ordination and system failures, we simply don’t know the full extent. What we do know is students’ health, mental well-being and education are being impacted for the third school year in a row; we also know what measures can reduce the risk and impact.”

In the letter, the federation asks the government to address breakthrough cases in vaccinated school staff, “inconsistent” approaches to declaring outbreaks, delays in contact tracing, isolation requirements and increasing difficulties securing substitute teachers.

Maze called for the reinstatement of the Education Sector Response Planning Team, which was used last year to create better communication between teachers and the government regarding COVID-19 protocols in schools.

That team was disbanded along with the lifting of all public health measures in Saskatchewan in July.

“The Minister of Education’s last significant comments to media regarding COVID-19 were on August 23, defending the government’s decision to not require masks in schools across the province prior to the start of the school year, despite doctor recommendations,” Maze said.

“(Education) Minister (Dustin) Duncan has a responsibility to ensure the safety of students while in school. I urge him to demonstrate the leadership required of his role and implement consistent, logical measures to keep students and our communities safe.

“Transmission is occurring in schools and it will not improve without action.”

On Wednesday, chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab addressed COVID-19 numbers being seen in the classroom.

He said 23 per cent of cases under 11 are connected to schools around the province.

The STF says it has yet to receive a response from government, but is hopeful it will happen soon.