The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19 started  just about two months back. Now infecting over 85,000 people around the globe, and causing almost 3,000 deaths ( higher than the SARS and MERS epidemics). It is spreading, and fast. As per WHOs risk assessment, this has a "very high" global risk. 

The schools have no way to assess if a child returning from a vacation (from anywhere in the world) may be infected or carrying a virus. It takes up to 2 weeks to show the symptoms. One can be the virus carrier for two weeks before showing any symptoms and spreading the virus to others around them. 

Nothing is more important that our children's health and safety. As a health and safely measure and in light of 8 cases already found in Vancouver BC, and 20 found across Canada so far, we request the authorities at Surrey School District Board to close the schools to help curb this virus from spreading. It is important to understand the risk of how quickly, in a school, the virus can spread from one infected child to multiple others. 

P.s. It may be worthwhile to make arrangements for alternate ways of teaching (online and virtual) for the duration of this epidemic getting under control.