The Lambton Kent District School Board has had a change of heart and has cancelled several March trips abroad because of COVID-19.
In an email to Blackburn News, LKDSB public relations officer Heather Hughes said student trips to Italy, Greece, France, and Sweden have been called off because of the coronavirus outbreaks in those countries. She said families have been informed about the cancellations.
"Student safety and well-being is a top priority for the Lambton Kent District School Board," Hughes added. "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."
Italy is under a nationwide lockdown because of COVID-19 and there is a ban on travel being enforced by soldiers and police. Canada also has a Level 3 travel advisory in place, warning travellers to avoid non-essential travel to protect the health of Canadian travellers and the Canadian public.
The Lambton Kent District School Board said there may be some financial impact from the cancellation of the trips, such as the loss of a non-refundable deposit but it is working with families and individual tour organizers on a case-by-case basis to provide information to allow families to make informed decisions.
"Students and families involved in these trips received information regarding the cancellation, as well as information from the tour organizer regarding their individual options. In some cases, in addition to the option of a refund less the non-refundable deposit and insurance, families were provided with an alternative option for a travel voucher [transferrable] or move their child’s participation to a future date," Hughes said.
The LKDSB continues taking direction from the local and provincial Medical Officers of Health, as well as the Government of Canada travel advisories. The school board said families will be notified if there are changes to any other scheduled school field trips due to labour relations or health-related concerns.
"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.
Visit Chatham-Kent Public Health or Lambton Public Health websites for more information on the coronavirus (COVID-19). They include links to the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario’s websites with up-to-date announcements.
Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories can be found here.
The LKDSB also said anyone with specific concerns about their child can contact their school principal.
