Bluewater District School Board trustees are calling for the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccines for frontline essential education workers, who work directly with or in close proximity to students.
Trustees have sent letters to Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce; Health Minister Christine Elliott and Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra questioning why fast-tracked vaccinations for frontline essential education workers is happening in other parts of Ontario but not in Grey Bruce.
Bluewater Board chair Jane Thomson, trustee for South Bruce Peninsula and Northern Bruce Peninsula, says the region has been fortunate in being able to keep schools open while others elsewhere are closing down.
However, the time has come to have the vaccination program here if schools are to remain open to in-person learning in a safe environment.
Thomson says, “We know from recent experience how critical in-person learning is to the mental health and well-being of our students. Providing additional protection by vaccinating our frontline essential staff sooner than later is a crucial next step to reduce risk and avoid further disruption for all in our school communities.”
