A Winnipeg school is transitioning to remote learning and closing its doors for two weeks after a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The DSFM (Division scolaire franco-manitobaine) is asking students at College Louis-Riel to stay home until Monday, Nov. 9, when classes are scheduled to resume.
The province confirmed seven cases at the school, with 10 cohorts self-isolating along with other staff and students.
“We understand this is an unexpected inconvenience, but know that this decision is made in the best interests of students, school staff and community health,” DSFM superintendent Alain Laberge said in a letter to parents.
New rules introduced at schools in the Winnipeg Metro region and Northern region on Monday include increased physical distancing — up to two metres from one another — to the greatest extent possible.
Schools were asked to adjust classroom space as necessary, to remove classroom furniture and repurpose other spaces within schools.
Extracurricular activities will only be permitted if all learning and distancing requirements have been met. If these activities continue, established guidelines must be followed and, in the case of sports, participants should maintain distance when not active, according to the province.
Teachers and staff who move across cohorts of students, including substitute teachers, are required to wear medical masks. Medical-grade disposable masks have been issued to all schools, but N95 masks are not required.