On the advice of Public Health (Eastern Region), the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District is suspending in-class instruction in St. John's metro area schools which include high school grades for at least two days, February 9-10. However, all school staff, with the exception of staff of Mount Pearl Senior High, are directed to report to work at their school, with teaching staff to begin preparation for online instruction. 

A list of impacted schools is provided below. A further announcement regarding continued instruction will be made on Wednesday.

This measure is taken to allow Public Health to expand its contact tracing into other school populations in the metro area as a result of recent positive Covid-19 tests. All schools in the metro area which include high school students, regardless of the configuration, (i.e., 7-12, 8-12, 9-12, 10-12) are included in this suspension of in-class instruction. 

This advice was conveyed to the District late this evening. Public Health officials will be working with the impacted schools in the coming days to provide direction. 

At this time, Public Health has advised the District:

Students from all metro schools with high school grades should remain home and limit their contacts to their households.
Public Health is performing contact tracing of close contacts from across the metro area and will contact those individuals that need to isolate.
'I know this is difficult news for many of our school communities, including our staff and administrators,' said Tony Stack, CEO/Director of Education. 'The District continues to work closely with Public Health officials to ensure we take prudent, evidence-based action to protect the safety of our students and staff.'

Public Health officials will be working with the impacted schools to provide direction in the days ahead. This is early in the investigation and those impacted need not contact 811. If you or your child is considered a close contact of a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, you will be contacted by Public Health Officials. Public Health will be providing further information on Tuesday, February 9.

The complete release is available in the link provided below.