Nunavut Employees Union President William Fennell has added his voice to the chorus of opposition to reopening Nunavut's educational facilities.
photo courtesy of the Nunavut Employees Union
Territorial schools closed on March 17 due to the risk posed by Covid-19 and Fennell wants it to stay that way until September.
SA国际影视传媒淚 think the NTA (Nunavut Teachers Association) is correct in saying it's too early,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that he's been hearing concerns from NEU members who work in the education system, people like secretaries, student support assistants and school-community counsellors and janitors. Some of them are in personal relationships with teachers, he noted.
SA国际影视传媒淧eople are afraid,SA国际影视传媒� said Fennell, adding that many Nunavummiut share their homes with elders, who are particularly vulnerable to the illness.
Education Minister David Joanasie said earlier this month that the GN would rely on a recommendation from the chief public health officer as to whether to reopen schools. That decision is expected to be made by Tuesday, the same day all teachers are due to return to work to prepare lessons for students.
With the potential for close to 90 educators from the south to fly back to Nunavut after self-isolating, Fennell cited asymptomatic individuals who are infected with the virus as one of his primary concerns.
SA国际影视传媒淚 certainly think for our members' sake and for the public in general we need to maintain the course, stay the course for now. From the federal government, that's certainly the messaging,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Fennell's comments come on the heels of the
As well, that calls upon government leaders to stop teachers from flying back to Nunavut from the south, regardless of self-isolation centres set up in southern cities.
Outside of the possible reopening of schools, Fennell complimented territorial government leaders for their handling of the coronavirus crisis. He said they've gone SA国际影视传媒渁bove and beyondSA国际影视传媒� in accommodating employees, many of whom have been able to work from home.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey're doing the right things, and I'd hate to see them mar it by opening the schools,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
