New Brunswick Unveils Back to School Guidelines

At a press conference in Fredericton on Friday, August 20, 2021, New Brunswick Education Minister Dominic Cardy announced that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has released Healthy and Safe Schools guidelines for the public school system. The guidelines outline the requirements schools and school districts must adhere to in order to provide a safe return to school for students and staff. These guidelines, however, could be subject to change throughout the school year if Public Health guidance to the department and new information deems changes to be necessary.

“Vaccines have allowed New Brunswickers to return to living a life that is much closer to normal over the past few months, but we will still be living with COVID-19, especially while those under 12 are waiting for an approved vaccine,” said Cardy. “We have learned a lot through the past year, and our plans have allowed students to learn with minimal disruptions, limited cases in schools and very few in-school transmissions. Our guidelines have been updated with the goal of keeping our schools healthy, safe and as close to normal as possible for students and staff, particularly those under 12 or those who cannot be immunized, in the face of evolving research and new variants.”

The guidelines outline the steps that will be taken in order to properly manage outbreaks in schools and also focus on the core protective health measures, such as vaccination, enhanced cleaning, mask use, and good hygiene practices, that will be key components in keeping students as safe as possible. This year, schools will also allow for more in-person activities such as normal music classes, field trips, and extra-curricular or intramural activities at all grade levels.

“Getting vaccinated is the surest and most effective way to protect yourselves, your family and your community from the COVID-19 virus,” said Dr. Cristin Muecke, deputy chief medical officer.

“There will continue to be cases in schools as we learn to live with COVID-19, and we need the help of all New Brunswickers in supporting healthy and safe schools,” said Cardy. “We need everyone who is able to get vaccinated to do so, and for people to continue getting tested when they have symptoms. By following Public Health advice, we can create an environment where students are able to have a more normal day-to-day life and enjoy their childhood, while staying healthy and continuing to learn.”