K-12 likely closed for the year, MUN finals won't happen in April

Much is still up in the air about the school system in Newfoundland and Labrador but one thing is now certain Memorial University students will not be writing exams next month due to COVID-19.

A notice posted online Wednesday morning says instructors have been given "a number of options," including alternative methods for final exams, or putting off an on-campus exam date in hopes studentscan return at a later date.

Students will also be given the option of being graded the standard way, or takea pass/fail grade when they eventually do write their exams.

The notice says the update does not apply for students in medicine or nursing, or students atMarine Institute in certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate programs.

Exams for K-12 students are also up in the air, but it seems the possibility of returning to classrooms is finished.

"Ithink we may have seen the back of the school academic year already," said Health Minister John Haggie on Wednesday morning."In terms of duration, this [virus] will be here with us in June."

Haggie said officials are looking at ensuring public exams for Grade 11 and 12 students will continue, andsaid updates will comefrom the Department of Education when decisions are made.

In a news release Wednesday afternoon, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development said all regulated family child-care homes will close by end of day, along with family resource centres and satellite offices.

The announcement comes a day after the N.L. government said regulated child-care centres would have to shut down for now.

"The provincial government will continue to monitor and where necessary implement protocols required to contain the virus," the department said.

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