(June 1, 2021) – Tony Wakeham, MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says he’s hearing the concerns of parents, students, and teachers about schools remaining open while the region is under Alert Level 4.

“I’ve heard from constituents expressing their anxiety about schools remaining open. This decision must be reviewed. I appreciate the expertise of public health officials and the school district, but the anxiety among my constituents is real,” said Wakeham.

“Further, the lack of options for online learning for students in the region who are self-isolating creates a gap in education. Some parents are choosing to keep their students at home, only creating more gaps in learning during this period.”

Wakeham is calling on Ministers Osborne and Haggie to explain the decision to keep schools open for in-person learning to ensure transparency and to understand what is being done to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools in the region.

“I understand a balance has to be struck. Students do better in-person than during virtual learning, by and large. But if students are isolating and being kept home during the outbreak, their education must continue,” said Wakeham.

“Most of all, I encourage the people of the region under Alert Level Four to follow public health advice and keep each other safe as public health works to contain the outbreak. We can get through it.”

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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