January 7, 2021 - 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, 2021. 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.”
The text of Dr. Mercer’s instructions can be viewed at https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-public/current-public-health-measures-and-restrictions.
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376