A local MPP says he doesn't think Niagara will be one of the regions sending kids back to classes soon.
We spoke to Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, who says that due to community COVID-19 spread in Niagara, he doesn't think the region will be one of the next areas to send kids back to class.
" I know that we have had a higher community spread than other jurisdictions. Over the last few weeks especially, we have seen that Niagara is one of the highest in the province compared to a number of other places on a per capita basis. So I don't think Niagara will be at the front of the line."
Oosterhoff says that the province is taking their advice from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, and his recommendations will determine when regions will send kids back to school.
He went on to say that an announcement is expected later this week from the province regarding more schools resuming, and while he can't confirm which areas will be part of the announcement, he says that the recent decline in Niagara's COVID-19 numbers is a good sign.
"We'll be having more news about other school boards this week as well. I can't guarantee Niagara is going to be part of that at this stage, but we're hoping that as we see the numbers beginning to go down, having peaked last week, we will start to see more and more boards be returning to class, and Niagara hopefully soon as well.
Oosterhoff also encourages kids in need of academic or emotional support to not be afraid to reach out to people in their school, their friends or professional services if need be.
You can hear the full interview with him below.
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