The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is keeping a close eye on northern Italy as students from Chatham-Kent Secondary School (CKSS) get ready for a trip there during the March Break.
Northern Italy is one of the global areas dealing with a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Some parents at CKSS are expressing concern about the coronavirus in northern Italy and about not getting their money back if the trip isn't cancelled by the end of the week.
The LKDSB told Blackburn News in emailed statements on Tuesday and Wednesday that the situation is under control.
"Student safety is a top priority for the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB). The LKDSB is monitoring the situation and is working closely with our schools and tour organizers regarding upcoming trips, such as those scheduled during the March Break," wrote Heather Hughes, Public Relations Officer at the school board. "Should there be changes to any scheduled school field trips due to labour relations or health-related concerns, this will be communicated to students and families accordingly and in a timely manner."
Hughes added the school board continues to take direction from the local and provincial Medical Officers of Health, as well as the Government of Canada’s travel advisories.
Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is advising families heading overseas for Spring Break vacations to monitor his department's travel advisories and register their travel plans. The travel advisory for northern Italy has been at Level 2 since Tuesday, meaning travellers should take special precautions, such as receiving additional vaccinations. Currently, there is no vaccination for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and world health officials said it likely won't be available for another year or two. Level 2 is just one level short of a warning to avoid non-essential travel in order to protect the health of Canadian travellers and the Canadian public. There are a total of four risk levels.
However, the school board insists students, parents/guardians and school communities should rest assured that the province is working together in close cooperation with its partners in both the education and health care sectors to ensure the continued safety and well-being of students and staff. The board said information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Chatham-Kent and Lambton Public Health is posted on the board and school websites to inform school communities. More information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the Chatham-Kent Public Health’s website, which includes links to the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario’s websites with up-to-date announcements.
Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada can also be found here.
The LKDSB also said anyone with specific concerns related to their child is encouraged to contact their school principal.
One parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said if the trip to northern Italy is cancelled by this Friday, students will be able to take a different trip at a later date.
She said it's too risky and unsafe for the students to travel to northern Italy right now because they could get stranded under quarantine.
"Students/families that fear this outbreak and who cancel independently will lose $4,000," she said. "The school board could mitigate risk by cancelling or rescheduling so that students are safe and do not lose all their payments."
