Premier Doug Ford announced today that students across Ontario will continue to learn remotely until the end of the school year.
Citing the increased prevalence of variants and their ability to cause worse symptoms in younger people, as well as a need to get more kids and teachers vaccinated, Ford said, “I will not take unnecessary risks with our kids.”
Recent modelling presented by the Science Advisory Table showed that a return to in-person learning could lead to an increase of six to 11 per cent in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases.
Youth aged 12 and over are currently eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine
The province expects to reach all youth aged 12 and over who want a vaccine with a first dose before the end of June and with a second dose by the end of August 2021. Following prioritization of education workers with a first dose this spring, the province also expects to reach all education workers with a second dose by the week of August 15, if not already eligible earlier by age cohort or other eligibility. This is subject to vaccine supply.
The government will allow school boards to invite graduating students in elementary schools (by class) and secondary schools (by homeroom/quadmestered class) to return to school in June for a short, outdoor celebration, where physical distancing is possible.
Schools will continue to remain open for in-person learning for special education students who cannot be accommodated through remote learning until the end of June.
The province expects a return to in-person learning in September for the 2021-22 school year.
Ford also said that the province may be able to enter Step One of its new Roadmap to Reopen plan before the previously announced date of June 14.
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James Rockwell says
I thought schools were safe? This government is an absolute farce!
Lies, deception, slander, and attack ads. The four pillars of the conservative party. Such a shame the election was tomorrow.
Mr. Lecce, show me those 500 school nurses, the new ventilation systems?? What a joke.
Mary Spring says
I was sad to hear that the schools could not re-open for the last few weeks of the academic year. This government does not seem to be listening to the advice of their own science advisors, doctors and public health experts. I know that the educators would have done their best to provide as much outdoor classroom learning as possible during the month of June. It would have provided children the opportunity to reconnect with their friends and for teachers to get a glimpse into their academic needs after being locked down for so long.
Mr Ford and Mr Lecce are promising the children a “fun” summer ahead, full of outdoor activities, day and overnight camps and organized sports. For children whose parents can afford such luxuries, it all sounds great. Let’s think about the children who might not have that opportunity. For those children, a few weeks of school would have been a boost to their academic growth and certainly to their mental health.
Let us not forget the children.
Phil Lam says
Well said James R. All along we have been told that 99% of students reported no illness…99% of 2,000,000 is still a significant number…20,000 cases! But no one had the courage to challenge the reporting. Everyone else in the province was reporting hard numbers, but when it came to schools we had to listen to this nonsense. Now Doug-ie boy wants us to hold in-person graduations. Hmm…he must have forgotten the limits that will be in place at the end of June with regard to in-person gatherings…ONLY 10 Doug…only 10. I wonder if he has any idea.