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Manitoba schools will remain closed indefinitely for the remainder of the school year.

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen, along with Premier Brian Pallister, made the announcement Tuesday morning.

Pallister says today, the province is announcing steps to make sure kids in Manitoba have access to quality education. "Today's decision is easier to do, because it protects those we value the most — our children, and their education. And because it's the right thing to do." — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 31, 2020

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There is a possibility of kids going back to school, but there is no date set, said Goertzen, and will depend on orders under the Public Health Act.

Marks will be held, but students will be expected to continue learning, said Goertzen.

Grade 12 exams will be suspended. But they will have the ability to increase their current grades through at home work — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 31, 2020

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Grade 12 provincial exams are cancelled, he added, but students will still receive marks and assignments.

For students in early and middle years, provincial assessments are complete for the current school year, but other assessments will continue. — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 31, 2020

No students will be held back because of COVID-19 and the closure of the schools, Goertzen said, and report cards will still be issued.

Pallister says students are saving lives by staying home. "Do your part and together we will beat this thing." — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 31, 2020

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Asked by Global News about educational assistants during this time, Pallister said those who aren’t working can access federal program help.

School divisions have been told to make use of employees as much as they can and re-assign them where they’re needed, but school divisions will have to decide about layoffs, Goertzen added.

Pallister said while he understands parents may be struggling with homeschooling, it is an opportunity to become more engaged in their kids’ school work.

“I would encourage parents to put this in that perspective.” Tweet This

Parts of the province that have connectivity issues and a lack of access to technology is part of the strategy, said Goertzen, adding they’re working with school divisions to find alternative ways to connect with students.

I want to strongly encourage all frontline healthcare workers to register your immediate need for childcare so we can continue to work and find placements for your children. Go to this link to register 👉🏻 https://t.co/a8HKca8TKd pic.twitter.com/HuXUVb0ozw — Brian Pallister (@BrianPallister) March 31, 2020

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There will be more information about online resources in the coming days, said Goertzen.

Pallister said the release of a report about the Manitoba school system will continue to be delayed.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.