Manitoba students to stay home until January 10: Province – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

The province of Manitoba says that students in grades K-12 will not return to school until January 10.

The students were supposed to return to school on January 6 after winter break.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen made the announcement Wednesday morning, saying the delay will allow the province to better assess the risk of the COVID-19 Omicron variant to students.

“Right now, things are changing rapidly and public health has recommended a slight delay to return to school,” he said in a statement.

The delay will also mean more time to distribute rapid tests to schools and will allow more time for vaccinations and booster shots.

“We have recommended this delay for back to school in addition to the restrictions under public health orders and I want to remind Manitobans of the importance of keeping meeting sizes small to allow for a safer return to school at the new year, “said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s director of public health.