Singing, sports, masks in school plan

TORONTO • Ontario students returning to schools next month will be able to play on sports teams, use instruments in music class, go on field trips and ditch masks outdoors, even if distance can’t be maintained.

The government released its back-to-school plan Tuesday, which includes extracurricular activities resuming, relaxed rules on using shared spaces such as libraries and cafeterias, and continuing to require masks indoors for students in Grades 1 and up.

Students will be attending in person for full days, five days a week — unless they have opted for remote learning — and high school students will have timetables with no more than two courses at a time.

The plan warns school boards to be prepared for a closure, but Ontario’s chief medical officer of health said he doesn’t believe that will happen. “I really can’t envision or see any closure of any schools in Ontario — or colleges or universities — we must maintain them open going forward,” Dr. Kieran Moore said.

He suggested dealing with

COVID-19 in schools will eventually be akin to the flu.

“I think we have to normalize COVID-19 for schools and have an approach that’s prudent, that’s cautious, but that realizes yep, we’re going to have a rise in cases, but we’re going to adhere to the best practices to minimize the spread and keep our communities safe,” Moore said.

Schools with mechanical ventilation are to use the highest-grade filters and turn systems on at least two hours before school starts. Schools without are expected to have standalone HEPA filter units in all classrooms.

The plan places an emphasis on outdoor activities, such as recess with friends from other classes — with distancing encouraged but not required. It also allows shared materials again, such as computers, gym equipment, and toys in kindergarten.

Protocols may be rolled back, but the government isn’t making shots mandatory for staff or students.

Gym and music classes will look different this year as well. Students can sing and play instruments, including wind instruments, in areas with adequate ventilation. Indoors, masks are encouraged but not required for singing if there is distancing, and two metres should also be maintained inside when playing wind instruments within a cohort. Outside, different cohorts can play music together with distancing encouraged.

For sports, high-contact activities can be played outdoors. Low-contact sports can be played inside if cohorts are distanced from each other, with masking encouraged but not required. Pools will be allowed to be used, with distancing on the deck.