Parent group calling on Manitoba to send home rapid tests with students over holidays
One parent council group is calling on the province to send students home with rapid COVID-19 tests during the holidays, a move that has already happened in Ontario.
Last month, the Ontario government announced students would receive tests over the winter break to prevent infected kids from returning to school, which would help cut down on the chances of school shutdowns.
“If parents want that option, then parents should have that option,” said Brenda Brazeau, the executive director of the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils.
Brazeau wants the Manitoba government to pull a page from Ontario and also send tests home, noting students could have more contacts over the break and now the Omicron variant is in Manitoba.
“Especially, like we said, with extended family. That definitely throws another stress into the matter, we just want families to be healthy.”
The Manitoba School Boards Association said in a statement to CTV News that if the province decides to send tests home, it would help.
“Should rapid testing for students be initiated on a larger scale here in Manitoba, school boards will continue to assist in the operationalization of such measures at the local level,” the statement said.
Esther Blum has two grandkids in school and their parents are both teachers. She thinks it makes sense to offer testing kits for kids.
“The more testing the better. I think I’d sleep better at night,” said Blum. “I think it’s a good idea. I don’t think the tests are harmful or they’re onerous, and so why not?”
Kids in Ontario are supposed to be tested every three to four days in Ontario starting on Dec. 23 and each student gets five tests sent home with them.
CTV News has reached out to the Manitoba government for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.