Thread by @albertateachers

❗️Rapid Testing is Welcome, but Not Good Enough: A thread.

Here's a statement from @schill_dawg in response to today’s announcement about rapid testing in schools. #ableg #abed 1/

“The expansion of the rapid testing program in schools is welcome, but it is not enough. This decision is reactive – and late – when schools need proactive solutions in this race against COVID spread.

#ableg #abed 2/

"The government has made keeping schools open a priority, so they need to make keeping the safety of people working and learning in those buildings a priority.

#ableg #abed 3/

"Teachers & parents are very concerned about the rapid spread of variants of concern in our communities and schools.

#ableg #abed 4/

"Last November, secondary schools moved online with 1700 cases in schools, currently we have 2400 cases in schools – many of them variants of concern – and nearly one-in-five schools have alerts or outbreaks.

#ableg #abed 5/

"The government should be looking hard at scenario two in their reopening strategy which calls for a blend of at-home and in-school learning with reduced class sizes.

(Link to Scenario 2 guidelines: open.alberta.ca/publications/c…

#ableg #abed 6/

"The most mindboggling part of today’s announcement is the decision to exclude school workers from expansions to the vaccination program.

This is the single biggest thing that would make teachers feel safer.

#ableg #abed 7/

Contrary to the premier’s statements, this is offside with national recommendations on immunization and with what is happening in most other provinces.” -@schill_dawg #ableg #abed 8/

(Here are the national recommendations: canada.ca/en/public-heal…

Read the full statement here: teachers.ab.ca/News%20Room/Ne… #ableg #abed /END