January 20, 2021 –Today, Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, extended online-only learning for all schools until at least February 1, 2021. Her direction for in-person education for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated through remote learning continues.
“I know everyone wants schools open for in-person learning as soon as it is safe,” said Dr. Mercer. “Teachers and parents are keenly aware of the value our children get from being able to gather together with their teachers and classmates and the pressure that remote learning places on educators and families. I share these sentiments.”
These instructions will be evaluated an ongoing basis to determine when schools can be safely re-opened.
“Cases are declining in the region,” said Dr. Mercer. “We are doing the difficult work of bringing COVID back down to levels where we can safely reopen schools, but we are simply not there yet. I urge everyone in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph to keep up the work of reducing the spread of the virus. Thank you again to administrators, staff, teachers and parents doing the difficult work of remote education.”
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