A local MPP is using a local COVID-19 outbreak at a school to point out what she believes are failures in virus prevention.
Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky, of the opposition NDP, rose in the legislature at Queens Park Tuesday to call attention to the outbreak at Windsor's Begley School. With 43 confirmed cases tied to the building, it is the largest school outbreak in Ontario, a distinction Gretzky said the Windsor-Essex area "does not want".
"The health and well-being of education workers is at risk," said Gretzky. "This devastating news has disrupted the education of hundreds of students, and the livelihoods of their parents, who are now forced to stay home to facilitate their learning."
Gretzky added that she had received information that no classes at Begley School from grade-four up are capped at 15 students.
In response, Education Minister Stephen Lecce insisted that measures being put in place across the province are being done to protect everyone in the community.
"The risk within our schools is a reflection of the risk within our community," said Lecce. "It is why we are acting provincewide. In the context of our plan, it is fully endorsed by our Chief Medical Officer of Health, fully funded, the highest in Canada."
Gretzky then pointed out that she was referring to Windsor, and not Toronto or Peel Region, which are under lockdown due to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases. She also expressed concern about the economic impact on parents, some of whom may be newcomers who may not be able to help students learn from home.
"I am extremely worried about the implications of further outbreaks for families in our community," said Gretzky. "Will the Premier finally do what parents, education workers, and experts have been pleading for? Will he keep cap class sizes, and implement the screening, testing and training needed?"
Lecce responded again by saying he is aware of the issues caused by these school shutdowns but defended the system in place, saying that increased testing has been offered to students, staff, and their immediate families.
As of Wednesday morning, Begley School had reported 35 confirmed cases among students, plus eight for teachers and support staff. The school was originally closed for two weeks, but that closure was expanded Monday "until further notice".