Illness in schools

We all have a part to play in keeping one another safe. Edmonton Public Schools uses several health and safety measures that work together to help reduce the spread of viruses in schools. Families can help by keeping their children at home when they’re sick.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

STAYING HOME WHEN SICK

One of the most effective ways to keep one another healthy and safe is to stay home when sick. Families, students and staff are asked to pay attention to symptoms of illness. If you feel sick, please stay home.

HAND HYGIENE

Students and staff are encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands throughout the day and follow good hand hygiene practices.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING

Schools maintain cleaning standards intended to keep viruses and bacteria from spreading. This includes frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces like:

• handrails
• door handles
• water fountains

Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are also available.

SICK ROOM

Schools have a designated space for students or staff who become ill while at school. If your child becomes sick at school, they will be sent to this place and you will be asked to come and pick them up. 

AIR QUALITY

Division schools support air quality through the following practices. We:

• change filters often
• run our systems longer
• maximize fresh-air intake
• inspect the systems often
• use the highest quality filter possible for each system (including MERV-13 filters wherever possible)

In addition, every classroom and learning space in the Division has a portable air filtration (HEPA) unit, which is turned on when students and staff are in the room.

MASKS

Individual choices about whether to wear a mask in school will be respected.

REPORTING ILLNESS

If your child is going to be away from school due to illness, it is important you let their school know. When reporting your child’s illness, please consider sharing their symptoms or any other relevant information.

The Division works closely with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to report school absence rates that reach 10 per cent or higher.

If AHS determines the school has an outbreak of illness (respiratory, gastrointestinal, etc.), a letter may be sent to families.

Outbreaks

Schools on outbreak status will follow all AHS recommendations around school operations and activities while on outbreak.

Read AHS’s Guide for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Schools (PDF).

MEASLES

If anyone in your household shows symptoms of measles, stay home and call Health Link at 811. Please consider letting your school know your child has been exposed to (or may have) measles.

• More information about measles from Alberta Health Services
• Measles exposure locations and dates from Alberta Health Services

Measles outbreaks

The Government of Alberta defines a measles outbreak as two cases of measles that are linked. Schools that have any confirmed cases of measles will report this to AHS and the Division.

IMMUNIZATION

Contagious diseases spread more easily when children are together at school, but many can be prevented through immunization.

Children get the best protection when immunizations are given on time. The preschool booster is due when a child is between four and six years of age, but preferably before starting Kindergarten.

Learn more about Alberta Health Service's recommended immunization schedule for families. 

If you need a copy of your child’s immunization record, please contact Health Link Alberta at 811 or your nearest health centre.