NSTU President warns many Nova Scotia classrooms unprepared for COVID-19 second wave

By Skye Bryden-Blom

Nova Scotia Teachers Union President Paul Wozney says under the current back to school plan classrooms aren't prepared for a second wave of COVID-19.

Wozney tells News 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show that although there have been no cases reported in the province's schools yet, he believes a better plan needs to be in place for the long-term.

Wozney said classrooms in Nova Scotia are not ready for a second wave of the virus, and he believes the absence of cases in our schools is more to do with good fortune than management. 

He said it's been three weeks since classes resumed, but there are still many promises that haven't been delivered. 

“There are promises about handwashing, and really there is no extra handwashing in schools to speak of anywhere in Nova Scotia,” said Wozney.

“Existing bathroom facilities have been chopped in half for social distancing reasons,” he said.

Wozney believes parents and staff have also been receiving mixed messages from the province in terms of sick students, COVID-19 testing, and when students can return to class. 

“It can take as long as 4 days before a COVID test can be arranged,” said Wozney, “there are lots of people who are home for 4 days before they can get a hold of 811, wait another 4 days before a COVID test can happen, and then self-isolation can be 14 days from the point that you get your test results back.”

He also said the province needs to ensure it has the facilities in place for testing if an outbreak were to happen in schools, citing reports some people have been waiting days just to book a test.

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