Ivan Radic / CC
Premier Doug Ford has announced that students across Ontario will finish the school year learning online.
“At a time when our top priority is putting the third wave behind us so that we can safely enter Step One of our Roadmap to Reopen, we can’t risk increased cases and potential downstream impacts on hospitals and ICUs. Making this tough decision now will allow kids to safely enjoy camps and outdoor activities this summer, and a safe return to school in September,” said Ford.
The province noted that the Science Advisory Table is predicting that COVID-19 cases could increase between six to 11 per cent daily, if schools were to welcome back students for in-person learning.
“It is unknown how many of these would be the new, more dangerous B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India, which has entered the province through Canada’s borders,” said the province in a statement.
Ford stressed to reporters today in a press conference that it would be “irresponsible” to have students in the classroom eight hours a day given the B.1.617.2 variant.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce added that work continues to make sure that students and staff can be fully vaccinated by the fall.
Ford said that he would like to see schools across Ontario hold safe outdoor graduations where possible.
Hastings Prince Edward District School Board has tweeted out that they will be sending some more information to families.
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