Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, is recommending closure of Duc d’Anville Elementary in Halifax to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The school will be closed to students from October 12 to October 15 to prevent further spread of the virus among the school community. At-home learning will begin October 12.

“While our goal is to keep students learning in the classroom, I was clear that if stronger measures were needed, like closing a school, we would not hesitate to act,” said Dr. Strang. “The regional medical officer of health team has been closely monitoring this situation, and they are recommending a temporary closure to contain the spread.”

Public health’s mobile testing unit will continue to be in the community next week. A negative test will be required to return to school on October 18. The local public health team will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination outreach clinics in the community to encourage and support families to get vaccinated.

“I understand the uncertainty of the pandemic is stressful on families. Dr. Strang and his team have led us through the pandemic and continue to make decisions that keep everyone safe,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “We will always follow the advice of public health to ensure our students, staff and broader communities remain safe.”

Families of students at the school will receive more information from public health.

Source: Release