Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is recommending closure of Dartmouth South Academy in Dartmouth to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The school will be closed to students from October 18 to October 22 to prevent further spread of the virus among the school community. The school and public health will share more information later in the week about reopening plans. The principal will contact staff and families about learning from home. The pre-primary centre, which is located on a separate site from the school, will remain open. 

“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 be at the school Monday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will return later in the week. 

“I understand and appreciate how stressful this pandemic can be on families and staff,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “I want to thank families and staff for following public health measures and for continuing to listen to Dr. Strang and his team. Dr. Strang and public health continue to make decisions that keep us safe.” 

Source: Release