The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, confirmed today that, based on the recommendation and advice of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, regulated family child care homes are exempt from the closure of child care services due to COVID-19.

Earlier today, the Provincial Government announced that regulated child care centres will close effective end of day today (Monday, March 16). The Chief Medical Officer of Health has advised that regulated family child care is exempt due to the small number of children in attendance at each service. Family child care homes are encouraged to follow the public health guidelines.

Government also announced today that classes for K-12 students are suspended, effective end of day today. Schools will open on Tuesday, March 17 for teachers for planning purposes. On Wednesday and Thursday, March 18 and 19, students can return to school to gather personal belongings and materials needed to continue their learning at home. Further information will be sent home to families from their child’s school.

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“At this time, the closure of regulated child care centres and the suspension of K-12 classes is indefinite. The health and safety of students and staff is paramount. We will continue to assess the situation in consultation with our public health officials. Contingency planning is underway as we work now to maintain the integrity of the academic year, and look to longer-term options to allow learning to continue at home.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Education and Early Childhood Development

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Media contact
Tina Coffey
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca