Back-to-School Virtual COVID Town Hall Set for August 31
Physicians will answer questions from students, parents about staying safe this school year.
Manitobans are invited to join a virtual town hall on August 31 to discuss the risk of COVID-19 in schools and what precautions students, parents and schools can take. The panel of medical experts will also answer questions about vaccines.
“The return to in-school learning is concerning to some parents, students and teachers, especially with the threat of a fourth wave,” said Dr. Kristjan Thompson, President of Doctors Manitoba. “Doctors are here to help, and our town hall will look at the level of risk in schools, and how the right precautions help to maintain a lower risk and to keep schools open this fall.”
The town hall is scheduled for this Tuesday, August 31, at 7:00PM.
Manitobans can send in questions in advance or register for a reminder email at DoctorsManitoba.ca/school. Questions can also be submitted live during the event.
The town hall will be broadcast live on YouTube.
A group of physicians with medical expertise in a variety of relevant areas will take part in the event, including pediatric medical leaders and those with expertise in infectious diseases, mental health and immunology. The full panel includes:
- Dr. Marni Hanna, President of the Manitoba Pediatric Society
- Dr. Ruth Grimes, President of the Canadian Paediatric Society
- Dr. Jared Bullard, pediatric infection disease specialist
- Dr. Ashley Chopek, pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant specialist
- Dr. Andrew Hall, child and adolescent psychiatrist
- Dr. Melanie Morris, pediatric general surgeon and Indigenous health lead at Children’s Hospital
“We invite all Manitobans concerned about the safety of schools this fall to join us as we answer your questions and respond to your concerns.” said Dr. Marni Hanna, President of the Manitoba Pediatric Society. “With the right COVID-19 precautions in place, schools can be a low risk environment for children and youth, including those under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.”