Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared that all elementary and secondary schools will move to an online format after the April break indefinitely after record-breaking COVID-19 cases and ICU numbers on Monday.
The announcement was made as a preventative measure according to Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.
“Today’s announcement is about prevention and sadly necessary precaution as we tackle the third wave of COVID-19,” he said.
Students with special education needs who are unable to learn virtually will have continued in-person learning.
Child care services for non-school-aged children will remain open and all school activities and activities will be closed accord to Ford.
Free emergency child care will be provided for school-aged children of healthcare and frontline workers. The Government of Ontario is working on a child care plan for parents who cannot work remotely.
Ford encourages that anyone who is eligible to get the vaccine to book an appointment as soon as possible.