Health unit invites parents and caregivers to back-to-school COVID session

By Cecilia Nasmith

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring special concerns for parents.

Back To Class Q&A, a virtual information session for parents hosted by Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking, is planned for Sept. 28 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Topics to be addressed for interested parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers include when a vaccine might be available for children and how best to protect their health during a fourth wave.

Dr. Bocking will provide an overview of such topics as the current COVID-19 situation and the status of vaccines for those under the age of 12. She will also respond to questions pre-submitted by participants. These questions can be submitted electronically through the health unit website (www.hkpr.on.ca) by noon on Sept. 28.

“We know there are many questions that parents and guardians have about COVID-19, how that school is back this fall,” Dr. Bocking said in the announcement.

“We ask people to submit their questions and attend this virtual session, as it will be very informative and helpful to address any concerns and clear up confusion.”

Dr. Bocking stated that protecting students is a collective responsibility shared by families, schools, public health and the broader community,.

“We all need to do our part to continue taking precautions against COVID-19, and this includes staying safe and being well-informed,” she stated.

The event will be livestreamed on the health unit's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/HKPRDHU

As well, a video recording of the session will be available after the event.