Students won’t return to the classroom as province-wide shutdown extended

Public school students will not return to the classroom by the end of this school year.

At a Wednesday briefing, Premier Iain Rankin said the province-wide lockdown will last until at least mid-June.

“We do continue to have high case counts, although they're starting to coming down slowly,” he said.

“I don't think it will be a surprise to most that we are still watching this very closely, and I'm sorry to say that we are going to be extending the shutdown in the province another couple of weeks, so that will take us to the second week of June.”

Students will continue with online learning until the school year ends.

Rankin said he knows this will be difficult news for students, teachers and parents, and also for many business owners.

“You're hoping to have a solid summer, and for many of you, it's the peak season … that's why we do think taking strict measures now will allow us to open up sooner, as long as people listen to those restrictions,” the premier stated.

“So we hear you, we're working on more support and we'll be looking at a reopening strategy in the coming days,” he said.

The province's chief medical officer of health said it's understandable that people are getting tired of the restrictions as we make our way through this shutdown.

“But, and we've seen it again today, COVID-19 can kill,” said Dr. Robert Strang. “It doesn't care about who you are, how old you are, or what you do. Since the beginning of May, six Nova Scotians have lost their lives because of COVID.”

“Stay home whenever possible, get tested, get vaccinated when you're eligible. Do it for yourself, your family, your neighbours and your fellow Nova Scotians. Let's continue to roar back against COVID and we will have a better summer.”