Manitoba delays return to school until at least January 10
Posted December 22, 2021 10:28 am.
Last Updated December 23, 2021 12:30 am.
The Manitoba government has announced that students will have an extended winter break, until at least Jan. 10, 2022.
In a news release Wednesday morning, the decision was made to give public health officials more time to assess the risk of the Omicron variant, which continues to spread in all provinces.
Education Minister Cliff Cullen will be speaking to the media Wednesday afternoon, and CityNews will carry the news conference live on our website.
“As we begin the holiday break across Manitoba schools, the Manitoba government would like to thank students, teachers, school staff, school leaders, school divisions, parents and caregivers for ensuring schools have been safe and open for in-class learning since September,” said Cullen in a news release.
“But right now, things are changing rapidly and public health has recommended a slight delay to the return to school. This will give them more time to better assess the risk and look at options for the new year.”
Students were originally supposed to return on Jan. 6.
Many childcare centres will continue to be open during this time, so parents can access services, if needed.
Part of the delay is to ensure the province has more time to distribute rapid tests to schools across Manitoba.
“We appreciate your understanding and will share any additional information about the return to school as we learn more about the variant and what this means for schools,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer.
“We have recommended this delay to a return to school in addition to the restrictions under the public health orders and I want to remind Manitobans of the importance of keeping gathering sizes small to allow a safer return to school in the new year.”
Roussin also encouraged those who are eligible to get the booster shot, to book their appointment as soon as possible.
