The remainder of the school year in Ontario has been cancelled by the Ontario government.
Premier Doug Ford says schools will stay closed, as he is not willing to put children at risk due to COVID-19.
“Nothing is more important than protecting our kids in this province, bar none over anything,” said Premier Ford. “Today’s announcement gives parents certainty, knowing that their children can continue to learn safely at home and that we have a plan for child care as we work to gradually reopen more of our economy, when it is safe to do so.”
All students who were on track to graduate from high school before the initial school closure order was made in March will be able to graduate, and all students will receive report cards.
Ford says online learning will be continuing.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says “Following advise from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, licensed childcare centres and EarlyON programs will also remain closed through this Stage One, the stage we are in today. Emergency childcare will continue for healthcare and for front-line workers during this period.”
Lecce adds “We will gradually reopen childcare as part of Stage 2 once it is safe to do so. We will reopen childcare with strict health protocols to keep our youngest learners safe.”
The government says “Assuming trends in key public health indicators continue to improve, summer day camps, both indoor and outdoor, may be permitted in July and August of this year with strict health and safety guidelines to be developed in partnership with local public health, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and municipalities.
Overnight camps will not be permitted to operate in the summer of 2020.”
