(File photo) Director of Education Lorel Trumier,right,  updated the board of education Monday evening.(Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

health and education

P.A. Catholic schools taking precautions against Coronavirus

Mar 10, 2020 | 11:00 AM

There are no reported cases of novel Coronavirus in this province but the Prince Albert Catholic School Division is taking steps to protect students and staff.

Director of Education Lorel Trumier updated the board on the measures and division policies around pandemic planning at their meeting Monday evening at the Catholic Education Centre.

Trumier said they’re taking an active approach to deal with the virus, including how maintenance staff clean buildings.

“We’re checking materials like our cleaning supplies or our procedures around cleaning door handles, rails, those kind of things,” she said.

Trumier added in reviewing the division’s cleaning material they have found they have the proper ones on hand to sufficiently ensure schools are safe.

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Pandemic planning is not new for the school division. Trumier explained they have had policies in place since the SARS epidemic in the early 2000s. She added the policy was updated when H1N1 became an issue.

“We’re always trying to make sure we’re being proactive,” she said.

The division is not alone its efforts. She explained they have been getting support from both the federal and provincial governments. The division is also taking part in regular conference calls with other levels of government.

The education director said she has not heard directly from anyone about parents being concerned about the virus. Going forward Trumier said they are looking to keep on top of the situation.

“I think the number one thing we do is try to remain up to date on the information provided,” she said.

Trumier as well updated the board on a development surrounding a long standing exchange program.

Global Partners, an organization which brings students to P.A. from Japan has announced they will not be bringing visitors after Easter as was planned due to Coronavirus concerns.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @mjhskcdn