Online learning extended in all Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph schools
Public Health News Release:
This morning, Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, instructed all local school boards and private schools to extend online-only learning for all schools until at least January 24, 2020. Schools have been further instructed to continue in-person support for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated through remote learning.
“The importance of in-class education on the overall health, well-being and development of our children remains the foundation of our education system,” said Dr. Mercer. “However, with a significant rise in cases across our region and evidence of transmission among school-aged children, we must make this difficult decision to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our region safe.”
These instructions will be evaluated an ongoing basis to determine when schools can be safely re-opened.
“As parent myself, I know this will be a challenge for many families in the region,” said Dr. Mercer. “Thank you for your continued sacrifices to reduce the threat of COVID-19 to our children and our region. To our teachers, staff, administrators and boards, thank you for continuing to deliver exceptional education during these difficult times.”