KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha 411 News has learned that Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB)has cancelled all trips until the end of the school year due to the Coronavirus.
Coronavirus also known as Covid-19 has millions of people around the world on lockdown. Tens of thousands have been infected with the virus and thousand have died.
In Canada there are 65 known cases of Coronavirus and one person in British Columbia has died. There have been 34 cases in Ontario but none locally.
According to Health Canada of these confirmed cases:
- The onset of illnesses occurred between January 15 and March 4, 2020
- 53% of ill individuals are female
- 82% of ill individuals are over the age of 40
- 13% of ill individuals have been hospitalized
- 1 person has died of COVID-19
Catherine Shedden, Communications TLDSB, Â told Kawartha 411 News that notifications should be going home to parents tonight notifying them of the status of school trips. All trips including within Canada and outside the country have been cancelled.
Both Lindsay Collegiate Vocational Institute and Fenelon Falls Secondary School were planning a trip to Germany which has been cancelled. A trip to India for students at Huntsville High School has been cancelled and a trip to France for Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School are all among the cancelled trips. Outings within the school district will go ahead as planned at this time.
The board is looking into policies regarding refunds etc with the tour companies and will make that information available at a later date.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says it has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low at this time for Canada.
The risk to Canadian travellers abroad is generally low but will vary depending on the destination.
Meanwhile the board has also started enhanced cleaning methods at all schools. For more on that and how administration is planning for possible employee illness or quarantine go to the 5@5:30 News tonight on Facebook.
