One question asked of Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer for Huron Perth, was about her thoughts on in-class instruction not returning until the next academic year.
“As a member of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health I agree with the position that was articulated in the Open Letter. That schools should be among the last sectors to close and the first to open.
The considerations are not just the risk of disease transmission but also the other risks associated with keeping schools closed.
School closures are affect families negatively and create ripple effects for children and their families.”
She adds that Huron Perth Public Health has the capacity to follow up on any cases and contacts associated with schools and manage re-opening.
“We are ready to assist in school re-opening. At this time it is manageable”
She closes by saying she recognizes that the government must weigh the risks of many challenging decisions during the pandemic and that it was their decision to make.