So far, so good when it comes to navigating the school year around COVID-19.

Since the return of in-person learning on September 7, the Lakehead Public School Board has only had two confirmed cases and no outbreaks.

Director of Education Ian MacRae tells Acadia News that there are accommodations in place for those who don’t have both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“They have to follow a two test per week schedule, in addition to completing the daily COVID-19 screenings, just like all of our staff and students,” MacRae added. “There’s a very high uptake (of those who are fully vaccinated) and we’re hoping it will evolve to mandatory vaccines for all students and staff.”

MacRae noted that over 80 per cent of those who work in the school board have had both doses.

Ontario made COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available on October 5th, but made the decision on testing up to the local health unit, instead of the school board or the province.