THUNDER BAY --- Students at Lakehead Public Schools who leave Northwestern Ontario over the holidays must stay away from school properties for 14 days.
The board on Thursday unveiled a student travel advisory, extending travel restrictions placed on board staff members earlier in the week.
"Effective today, the same travel advisory is being extended to Lakehead District School Board students. Until further notice, students who travel outside the Northwestern Ontario region are not permitted to attend school properties until 14 days post return and must be asymptomatic," said director of education Ian MacRae in the memo, posted to the board's website.
"The Northwestern Ontario region is defined as White River to the Manitoba border."
Students who do travel are encouraged to contact their school for academic support while they are banned from school board properties.
The rule applies in most, but not all, travel instances.
"The Lakehead District School Board recognizes some students may have to travel for essential reasons such as medical care or other reasons protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you believe that your child may have such extenuating circumstances, you are encouraged to reach out to your school principal or vice-principal," MacRae said.
Anyone with questions should contact the principal or vice-principal at their child's school.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit recommends people don't travel outside of the region, but has not implemented mandatory self-isolation upon return.
