Schools on P.E.I. will remain closed, restrictions extended until Jan. 17

Schools on P.E.I. will not reopen until at least Jan. 17, Premier Dennis King said during a COVID-19 briefing Tuesday.

As well, restrictions put in place before Christmas that were expected to end Jan. 8 have been extended to Jan. 17.

Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, announced 198 new positive cases of COVID-19 on the Island, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,159.

"This is disheartening, but it's important to remind ourselves that we are doing quite well. We have managed this well," she said.

Morrison said she can't predict when the fourth wave of COVID-19 will end, and is compelled to take a "steady and cautious" approach.

As a result, students will begin the year with online learning, and will be required to wear masks when in-school learning resumes.

Prior to returning to class, all students and staff will be required to have two negative tests 48 hours apart, Morrison said. Principals will be offering guidance on the testing to parents in the coming days.

While in school, students will be tested up to three times per week.

Guidance on child-care centres is being shared with operators Tuesday.

Education Minister Natalie Jameson said the goal is to get children back in the classroom as soon as safely possible. She said new ventilation systems will be in place and triple-layered masks will available in schools.

"We recognize this is a challenging time for parents," Jameson said. "If you're overwhelmed, reach out to teachers and principals, we want to work with you."

King said they won't be waiting for case counts to get to zero before easing restrictions.

"It's not our intention to stay in this restriction situation for any longer than we need to. The when will be determined by the science, the how — that is what we're working on."

Restrictions already in place — such as limiting personal gatherings to 10 people, a pause on wedding receptions, wakes and sports, and limits on in-restaurant dining — will be extended to Jan. 17, Morrison said.