In its daily COVID-19 update Public Health officials announced all public and independent kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in Morden will move to remote learning effective Monday, June 7th until at least Friday, June 18th. Minnewasta School, which had already moved to remote learning, will continue in a remote learning scenario until at least Friday, June 18th, as well.

The move has been recommended as COVID-19 case counts are elevated in the community. As of Thursday, there were 34 active cases of COVID-19 in the Morden Health district according to public health data.

Manitoba Education and Public Health will determine prior to June 18th, whether students will return to school in person, or continue in remote learning on Monday, June 21st.

In a letter posted to the Western School Division website, Superintendent Stephen Ross stated the move is being made by Manitoba Education and Public Health out of an abundance of caution. "As a division, we support the decision by Public Health and Manitoba Education, even though we are not aware of any new cases in our schools recently."

The letter continued, "As remote learning will begin on Monday, June 7th, we are encouraging families to keep their children home on Friday, June 4th. We understand that the short notice may make this difficult for all parents and we are prepared to accommodate families in need."

Western School Division joins neighbouring Garden Valley School Division and Red River Valley School Division which were moved to remote learning May 18th. Manitoba Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced Thursday afternoon Red River, Garden Valley as well as all Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in Brandon and Winnipeg will remain in remote learning until the end of the school year, with the ability to reopen to small groups starting June 14th.