The Alberta government has released new guidance for preschool, daycare and out-of-school care operators ahead of the shift to Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan.
Stage 3 begins Thursday and marks the first day that most public health restrictions will be lifted, including the provincial mask mandate and capacity limits at restaurants and retail locations.
In a seven-page document released Friday, most restrictions on child-care operations will be lifted, including required mask use by staff and cohort limits.
“This document has been developed to support operators of licensed preschools and child-care centres in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 as well as other infections among attendees (children, adolescents, adults, parents, guardians, staff and volunteers),” it reads.
“It will continue to be updated as requirements change in July and August 2021.”
The new guidelines encourage social distancing, avoiding physical greetings and considering ways to set up rooms so they aren’t crowded.
Masks will only need to be worn by children if they have symptoms of COVID-19. Staff only have to wear a mask based on their own personal risk assessment of COVID-19 exposure.
Activities should be held outside as much as possible and groups should be limited and separated as much as possible.