COVID-19 Symptom Updates

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr Deena Hinshaw, announced updates to the COVID-19 daily checklist and symptom list earlier today. 

Daily Checklist:

• A new Alberta Health daily checklist for children under 18 will apply beginning November 2nd, 2020. This also applies to individuals who are 18 and over and are attending high school.
• All other Albertans who are 18 and over, including school staff, will continue to use the Alberta Health daily checklist for adults (pg3).

Updates to Symptoms: 

• Symptoms of runny nose and sore throat have been removed from the mandatory isolation checklist for Albertans under 18.
• The core isolation symptoms for children are now one (or more) of the following: cough, fever, loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath. If a child has any of these core symptoms:

           –   They are to isolate for 10 days OR have a negative COVID-19 test result and feel better before they return to school or other activities.

• If a child has one of the following symptoms: chills; sore throat or painful swallowing; runny nose or congestion; feeling unwell or fatigue; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; unexplained loss of appetite; muscle or joint aches; headache; or conjunctivitis (pink eye):

           –   The child should stay home and monitor for 24 hours.

           –   If their symptom is improving after 24 hours, they can return to school/activities when they feel well enough to attend. Testing is not recommended.

          –   If the symptom worsens after 24 hours, or if additional symptoms emerge, or if the child has any two symptoms from this second list, they are to continue to stay home, and testing is recommended but not required. The child can return to activities and school when their symptoms have resolved AND it has been 24 hours or more since their symptoms started.

As we walk through these times together we encourage you to refer to official sources for school information: 

• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools 2020/21 Relaunch Document
• Alberta Education- K to 12 school re-entry webpage
• Daily Assessment Screening Questionnaire
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools 2020/21 School Calendar
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Mental Health Supports

We are very appreciative of your grace, patience, and compassion as we continue the 2020/21 school year. 

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools