The province’s English school district is extending its switch to online instruction to include all of its schools in the province.

The move is effective Monday and will last at least until February 26, following a similar order for schools in the Avalon region last week.

Officials say the decision was made in consultation with the government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health as part of province-wide efforts to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Schools will only allow students to retrieve personal devices left at school, or essential items required for health and safety such as medications or medical equipment.

Teachers in Central, Western and Labrador will begin online instruction for high school and intermediate grades no later than Wednesday, while primary and elementary students will begin online classes no later than Thursday.

In the Avalon region, not including St. John’s metro, high school and intermediate online classes begin Monday, while primary and elementary classes should begin no later than Tuesday.

For St. John’s metro, high school and intermediate students have already begun online classes, while primary and elementary will switch over on Monday.

Staff are also reminding students and families that most personal laptops, tablets, desktop computers and smartphones can be used for online learning, noting they do not need a Chromebook for online learning.

A further update on the availability of Chromebooks is expected Monday.