2022-04-12

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students:

Re:          A NEW WAVE OF COVID-19

As we enter a new phase in the pandemic, we are seeing increasing levels of driver shortage due to COVID-19 and the next wave.  As a result, more routes are being cancelled.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Drivers are required to follow all Provincially mandated screening requirements prior to reporting for work including isolation requirements if symptomatic;
• Spare driver levels are at their lowest levels in years due to the Pandemic;
• The upward trends in positivity in wastewater surveillance and a rise in hospitalizations have been reported. These trends are likely to continue for the next several weeks.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

• The NPSSTS and bus companies will ensure that early and accurate Route Delay and Route Doubling issues are posted to the NPSSTS Delays Page on our website including more frequent updates;
• The NPSSTS and bus companies are working together to mitigate the impact of driver shortages through route doubling before considering cancellations, but this can lead to some delays.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Please stay current with the NPSSTS Delays Page for the latest information;
• Review your options in your existing plan in the event of a cancellation and, where possible add to it including the potential for carpooling where possible;
• Those students who are able may wish to consider active transportation like cycling;
• If you have chosen alternate transportation in the short-term, please advise the bus company directly;
• Although there are no mandates, we strongly encourage everyone to continue to wear a well-fitting three-layer mask or a medical mask in all public indoor settings, including when riding on a school bus.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Yours truly,

Chuck Seguin
Executive Director – NPSSTS