COVID-19 Response Update
The health and safety of our entire OrKidstra family continues to be our priority during the developing situation surrounding COVID-19. In line with the easing of public health restrictions in Ontario and across Canada, OrKidstra will continue its return to in-person, Hub-based programming for all students. Starting in September 2022, OrKidstra’s after-school programming will return to fully in-person for all ages at our Centretown and Vanier Hubs.
Starting July 1, 2022, OrKidstra will no longer require masks to be worn at our in-person, Hub-based programming. Although masks will no longer be mandatory in OrKidstra spaces, we encourage everyone to do what they feel is safest for them and will respect the personal choices made by the OrKidstra family. OrKidstra will continue to have free masks available at our in-person programming, and we will respect mask mandates at venues in which we might perform in the community. We ask that the OrKidstra family continue to build respect by showing consideration and care for each other as we make this transition together.
To help ensure the health and safety of our community, OrKidstra will continue to maintain a host of public health measures at our Hubs including providing tools for self-screening, free masks, HEPA filters in all teaching spaces, sanitization, and other proven measures.
We will continue to provide you with regular updates about our plans moving forward using the most up-to-date and reliable information available. Thank you to all our students, families, teachers, volunteers, staff, and supporters for playing your part. Parents and guardians, please check your email for updates from OrKidstra regarding these changes. For additional questions, please get in touch with programadmin@orkidstra.ca
We encourage everyone to continue following advice from public health agencies and other trusted sources. Take good care ♥
Public Resources:
- Information about COVID-19 from Ottawa Public Health
- Reducing the risks from COVID-19 from Ottawa Public Health
- COVID-19 resources for parents and children from the Government of Canada
- Resources to help you with responding to stressful events (Ottawa Public Health)
- Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session for those in the Ottawa region
- Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada for children, teens, and youth adults.
Originally published on March 12, 2020. Updated September 6, 2022.
