Education Minister Dominic Cardy. (file photo)
The province’s Minister of Education is asking parents living in orange phase health zones to keep sending their children to school, unless otherwise notified by Public Health.
“School is important. That’s why we spend over $1 billion from our collective taxes on it,” Dominic Cardy said at a press briefing Tuesday afternoon. “The best way to make sure kids can learn from the school system is to make sure they’re in school.”
Cardy said schools have reported attendance drops in regions that have transitioned into the orange zone of COVID-19 recovery.
“I take Dr. Russell very seriously when she says if she feels comfortable with her kids being in school here in an orange zone, then that’s good enough for me.”
The Minister of Education says to date, eight schools and two day cares have been affected by positive cases.
Students are encouraged to attend school unless they’ve been instructed to self-isolate by Public Health, or they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or are otherwise sick.
“We’ve always said that if you or a family member has been in close contact with any cases, you will be notified directly by Public Health,” the Minister of Education said. “No news is good news.”
One option that has come up in conversation with parents and staff is the possibility of extending the upcoming Christmas holiday.
“I know that a lot of teachers who keep on telling me late November felt like June,” Dominic Cardy said. “I know that teachers are looking forward to their break to be able to recharge.”
Cardy said they have considered the extension, but they aren’t ready to make that decision just yet.
The education minister also encouraged New Brunswickers to feel pride for the province’s low number of COVID-19 cases as the pandemic hits its ninth month.
“We did this. Not your government, not Public Health, but all of you,” Cardy said. “By choosing to follow the science-driven directives that came from government officials.”
“You looked at (the guidelines) and thought ‘this makes sense. This sucks… but it’s worth it for a few more months.”
