Three positive tests for COVID-19 at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna has prompted administrators to move to remote learning starting on Monday, December 14.

While none of the persons who tested positive live in the dormitory, several close contacts do, according to Executive Director Harold Schlegel who says the potential for rapid spread in that part of the school was cause for extra caution.

"This situation in addition to regular illness and things meant that we were looking at absenteeism among our students over 40 per cent."

All schools in Manitoba will move to remote learning for two weeks following the Christmas break.

Schlegel says, for MCI, this early move is a way of staying ahead of any potential spread prior to the Christmas holidays.

In a news release, MCI says its students have received more days of in-class instruction than most schools in the province.

Schlegel says MCI has been developing its remote learning strategies during the fall and is confident the school can deliver a high level of education.