School closures in earthquake-stricken Canterbury have been extended to next week.
All schools and childcare centres in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn Dsitricts were closed until Wednesday following the massive 7.1 earthquake in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Staff and students were advised to heed Civil Defence warnings and steer clear of any unchecked buildings.
“Civil Defence and the Education Ministry are rightfully taking the most cautious approach and assessors are trying to get around schools and centres as quickly as possible,” NZ Educational Institute president Frances Nelson said yesterday.
The closures were reassessed this afternoon and the decision made to extend the closures until next week.
"The Ministry of Education has advised that there are still serious health and safety issues following last weekend's earthquake," says Education Minister Anne Tolley.
"There are also reports of further structural damage as a result of last night's aftershocks, which means that schools which have been already inspected will have to be reassessed."
"The message is this is a blanket ban and no one should be at their school or centre or be instructed to go into a situation where there are clear health and safety hazards," Ms Nelson said.
The Ministry of Education's emergency call centre is providing ongoing advice to boards and principals on 0800 225 580.
Property inspections will continue this week.
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