With the deadline to opt out of the first quarter of in school classes having passed, the implementation of new social distancing rules by the Alberta Government may have some parents concerned.

A health order lifting a mandate requiring physical distancing in the classroom when students return to school, was signed this weekend by Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

Endorsed by Dr. Hinshaw, the order states that a school doesn’t need to ensure that students, staff members, and visitors are able to maintain a minimum of two metres distance from every other person when in the classroom setting.

Many Alberta students are set to return to school this week.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange’s office put the onus on each school board as to whether or not the deadline will be re-examined for this first quarter. According to Edmonton Public School Board’s communication consultant Anna Batchelor, it will not be. That doesn’t mean concerned parents are out of luck.

“Any parent with concerns or questions still have options,” Batchelor said. “If they are worried, they should contact their school Principal and have that conversation with them.”

The deadline to opt out of in school classes for the first quarter passed on August 21, 2020.