Due to developments over the weekend regarding the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), Spul’u’kwuks elementary – which is on an alternative calendar – will close for spring break as of Tuesday, more than two weeks ahead of schedule.
The school will remain closed until at least April 13, according to an announcement on the school’s website.
The superintendent of Richmond schools, Scott Robinson, announced the closure on Monday, saying the decision was made because the provincial government indicated gatherings of more than 200 people shouldn’t take place, and that people should maintain “social distancing” – for example, avoiding hand shaking and staying a metre away from each other. This is not possible in a school setting, Robinson explained in the post.
In fact, the province announced further measures, saying gatherings of more than 50 shouldn’t take place in order to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
“I understand that this decision will likely cause some parents and families inconvenience, however the decision is being made in order to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” Robinson said in the announcement.
Spring break at Spul’u’kwuks was scheduled to run from April 2 to April 30. The website states the “tentative” start of third term at the school is April 14.
In an update on Monday morning on the coronavirus situation, the provincial government said an announcement about schools would be made on Tuesday.
