All four local school boards are putting together procedures that would allow extra-curricular activities to continue for vaccinated students.
"We believe that extracurriculars are very important for the physical and mental health of our students, however, we also believe they can only proceed in a way that will reduce the risk of further spread of COVID-19 amongst our students and staff; vaccination is the best way to reduce that likelihood,' said the joint statement from Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, the Greater Essex County District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Providence, and Conseil scolaire Viamonde.
The boards will work together with the Windsor and Essex County Secondary Schools Athletic Association to determine which sports can continue based on the amount of time in the season, the number of student eligible to participate and the number of coaches who will be available. The return of different activities will be based on all of those factors.
Competition will remain among schools in Windsor and Essex County. The WECSSAA board has decided high schools will not participate in any provincial tournaments like SWOSSA and OFSSA.
"Currently, some athletic associations have not mandated the same public health standards regarding vaccination of student-athletes, volunteers and officials. Competing with other school boards, and travelling to other locations in Ontario does not support safe regional play at this time," said joint statement.
Elementary students in Grade 7 and 8 who are fully vaccinated will also be able to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Each school board will develop its own procedures for students, staff, officials and volunteers to provide proof of their vaccination status.
