As reported on the Government of Canada and British Columbia websites, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith air quality index currently sits at 10+ for today, Monday, September 14. It is at this time the district has decided to keep all students and staff indoors during school hours.
The health message for current conditions:
- At risk population: Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.
- General population: Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
- As we know if would be very difficult to have students NOT play strenuously when outside, it is for this reason, we are having indoor time today.
While staying indoors may run counter to the recommendations for COVID-19, other COVID-19 health and safety control measures (Learning groups, physical distancing, cough/sneeze etiquette, hand hygiene, daily health checks, etc.) in place in schools will continue to provide protection for staff and students. Also, our HVAC systems have filtration that allows us to maintain fresh air while also removing particulates. Please use all content in this email, if you need, when speaking to parents/caregivers.
For current air quality readings and forecasts:
https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/bcaq-011_e.html
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/data/aqhi.html?id=AQHI-Nanaimo
For information on the Air Quality Health Index:
