Etches, mayor disappointed with decision to keep schools closed

Ottawa's top doctor and mayor saythey're disappointed in the province's decision to keep schools closed until September.

At a news conference Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford confirmed students would not be returning to classrooms for in-person learning for the rest of the school year.

"I did recommend that schools open," the city's Medical Officer of Health Dr. VeraEtches told CBC. She said that recommendation was based on Ottawa's capacity to respond to schools, the "current situation with COVIDand the harms for children not being in school."

During Wednesday's announcement, Ford said he wouldn't risk spreadingvariants of concern any further, as they have been driving transmission in the province.

• Ontario won't reopen schools for in-person learning this spring, Ford announces

However, Etches said since children have returned to online learning, the number of children getting tested has declined. Schools are"a structured environment where we can see the benefits of the screening before children go to school," she said.

In a statement, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Coun. Keith Eglicalled the news "deeply disappointing."

"This decision was made despite the advice of local public health units, including Ottawa Public Health," the statement read.

"There is no doubt that today's news will make the next few weeks even harder," the statement continues.

"Schools are not just place to learn, but a place of personal growth and development of interpersonal relationships, which are key to a child's mental health."

Im really disappointed: Ottawa parent says continued school closures are tough on families

3 years ago

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Mary Crowe, a teacher and a parent of two children, says the news that schools wont be reopening is devastating for many families, who are now facing another three months without a break from childcare.

Concern for parents, children

Both Etches and Watson hadpublicly urged the provinceto reopen the city's schoolslast week, given the slowing spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa.

Given that the province has made its decision, Etches said her concern nowis for the well-being of both parents and children, who have been learning remotely since April 19.

• Reopen schools now, Watson, Etches urge province

"This was potentially a support for parents who are trying to work and supervise school and do child care to actually have a break," she said.

"Myconcern lies there that we need to let people know they're not alone. It's hard to keep parenting at the same level."

Etches is asking parents to "not try to be the perfect parent right now." She encouraged those with children at home toseek help from others now that the provincial stay-at-home order has been lifted.