STF wants all schools to move to online learning after Easter break

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) wants students to stay home after the Easter break.

In a news release Wednesday afternoon, the STF asked the province to move all schools in Saskatchewan to Level 4, or online mandatory learning, from April 12 to April 23 following the upcoming week-long break.

“There is a steady increase of COVID-19 cases in schools across the province,” STF president Patrick Maze said in the release.

“This two-week period will serve as a buffer to help protect students, teachers and ultimately our communities in the event people travel or gather over the break.”

The STF said 40 per cent of youth are asymptomatic and variants of concern are up to 70 per cent more transmissible than the original strain of COVID-19 that entered the province.

With variants sharply rising in Moose Jaw and Regina, Maze is hoping the proposed two-week buffer can help other communities from experiencing the same fate.

“This isn’t just an issue in Regina and Moose Jaw. We are seeing an increase of cases throughout our province. Communities across Saskatchewan are interconnected. We have an opportunity to act before more communities experience what Regina and Moose Jaw are dealing with,” he said in the media release.

According to outbreaks posted on the province’s website, 90 outbreaks were declared in schools between March 15 and this past Sunday, including 78 between March 20 and Sunday.

Regina Public Schools and the Regina Catholic School Division declared 36 outbreaks since March 15. Those divisions already have moved to online learning.

Maze said in-person learning is the preferred method for teachers and students, but acting now will allow everyone involved to make the necessary arrangements.

“Teachers, students and families will be able to prepare for the next few weeks and not be frantically trying to make alternate plans. Employers, including small businesses, also have an opportunity to plan ahead for staffing needs and minimize the negative impact of staffing challenges,” he said.