Manitoba expands summer school programming through coronavirus

Manitoba is increasing access to its summer school programming for students in Grades 9 through 12 who have not completed their courses or want to improve their marks.

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the expansion of InformNet online learning will provide additional support for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This will help students to be as prepared as possible for the next school year,” he said in a release.

InformNet is an online high school learning management system operated by the Pembina Trails and St. James-Assiniboia school divisions.

Goertzen says fees will be waived and there will be no cap on the program that runs in July.

The province said certified teachers with experience and expertise in the subject area facilitates all online courses.

Schools have been closed in Manitoba since the middle of March due to the novel coronavirus.

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Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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