Schools in Newfoundland and Labrador are set to reopen one week from today, and while many concerns around COVID-19 remain, the province’s Minister of Education is putting his faith in Public Health.
There has been a rise in COVID-19 cases across the province over the last week. Several exposure advisories were issued for Western Health over the weekend, and for Central Health at the beginning of the week.
That situation has lead to some questioning how safe it will be to return to school next week.
Minister Tom Osborne maintains his confidence in public health advice. He says the department is in constant communication with Public Health, noting that there’s no concern right now but the school districts are ready to pivot if need be.
Meanwhile, Osborne says many classrooms across the province will have air filtration systems ready to go when classes start next week.
According to Osborne, the remaining units will be installed in classrooms throughout September.
CEO of the English School District, Tony Stack, says the order in which the systems are installed will be based on need.
He says priority will be given to schools without HVAC systems and to K-6 grade levels where students cannot yet be vaccinated.