All New Brunswick And Nova Scotia Public Schools Are Closing Down
FREDERICTON – All public schools in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are temporarily closing down to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The New Brunswick schools will be closed for two weeks starting Monday, March 16.
The decision was made Friday evening by the provincial government’s all-party cabinet committee on COVID-19.
“This closure will be reassessed on an ongoing basis,” said a news release from the province.
Nova Scotia students are on March break this week. The province is closing schools and daycares for at least two weeks following the break.
“We will continue to review in consultation with public health. March break camps are cancelled,” said Premier Stephen McNeil in a news conference Sunday afternoon in Halifax.
The province made the announcement following news Sunday that there are three presumptive cases of the coronavirus in Nova Scotia, all related to travel. There are now five presumptive cases and one confirmed in New Brunswick.
In New Brunswick, early learning and child-care facilities, including those located in schools, are not affected at this time.
All individuals who have travelled internationally on or after March 9 will still have to avoid early learning and childcare centres for 14 days after they return.
New Brunswick’s top doctor said she would support a decision to close schools for two weeks in response to the coronavirus. But Dr. Jennifer Russell left the decision up to government officials during a news conference late Friday afternoon.
“This afternoon, I express my support if the government decides to close school amid COVID-19,” said Russell on Friday.
Earlier in the day on Friday, New Brunswick’s education minister had said there was a “very high” chance schools could close as a result of the pandemic.
In a series of tweets, Dominic Cardy said he expected the decision would be made within “hours” but noted it was not one he can make on his own.
Russell said such measures should not extend to operators, staff or youth within early learning and childcare facilities at this time, and early learning and childcare facilities operating within schools should also remain open at this time.
She said the current risk assessment suggests the risk of children acquiring COVID-19 is very low and the risk of them having serious disease outcomes is even lower.
Russell reiterated the precautions previously put in place by the province in regards to travelling and access to schools and childcare facilities.
She added the importance of maintaining good mental health, as this is a stressful time for many.
Brad Perry is the news director with Country 94/97.3 The Wave, a Huddle content partner.
With files from Courtney Amirault, the news director with CKBW in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.