World News – CA – Grades 7-12 in Manitoba will move to distance learning after the vacation break

The Manitoba government introduces two weeks of distance learning for students in grades 7-12 after the vacation break to help prevent Covid-19 cases.

The mandatory move to home study for older students begins in January. 4, and parents of children in kindergarten up to 6. Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen said on Wednesday that their children can also move their children to distance learning during the same period if they so choose.

« Current data shows that the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our schools remains low and we want to ensure that returning to class is as safe as possible, » Goertzen said in a government publication.

“By moving our students in grades 7 through 12 to distance learning in the first two weeks of the new year and giving students in grade 6. Offering class distance learning options for kindergarten, we reduce the risk that may arise from a change in close contacts between students during the winter break. ”

The province states that during the distance learning phase for 6th grade students. Grade and for 7th grade students. until 12. Regular in-person classroom learning is offered to the special needs class.

The switch to remote learning should take until January. 15 and the province estimates that after the winter break, nearly half of Manitoba’s students will be staying at home.

Dr. . Brent Roussin, the provincial chief health officer, has repeatedly stated that transmission in schools is low and few outbreaks have been reported.

The province said evidence from Wednesday showed that older students were more likely to develop the virus and spread it because they have greater numbers of close contacts.

Goertzen said school departments in Manitoba are equipped for distance learning, adding that the provincial distance learning support center will be available to assist departments and teachers.

To cover the increased cost of moving to distance learning, Goertzen also said the province is opening its $ 185 million safe school fund to departments.

« The pandemic situation is evolving and the Manitoba government recognizes that our schools may face extraordinary funding pressures in the 2020-21 school year, » Goertzen said in a press release.

Consists of $ 48 million in savings, $ 52 million in additional provincial funds, and $ 85 million. The fund, with 4 million federal grants, will be used to hire more staff, pay for new technology, and cover the cost of additional health and safety measures, the province said.

Manitoba has been reporting hundreds of new cases and multiple deaths from COVID-19 every day for weeks, despite tight restrictions closing non-essential businesses and banning large gatherings in November. 12th.

Earlier on Wednesday, health officials announced 277 new cases of COVID-19, as well as 14 more deaths.

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School, Manitoba, Student, Kelvin Goertzen, Distance Learning