The Ontario government has made the decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April break.
The province says the move has been made in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in southern Ontario, the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants, and the massive spike in hospital admissions.
Schools in both the Lakehead Public School Board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board were going to return to in-class learning starting on Monday, April 19th, but now must change all their plans.
“We are seeing a rapidly deteriorating situation with a record number of COVID cases and hospital admissions threatening to overwhelm our health care system,” said Premier Ford. “As I have always said we will do whatever it takes to ensure everyone stays safe. By keeping kids home longer after spring break we will limit community transmission, take pressure off our hospitals and allow more time to rollout our COVID-19 vaccine plan.”
A.J. Keene with the Lakehead Public School Board admits it can be confusing with the government changing its direction almost without warning saying “For sure it’s been a very challenging year from an organizational perspective and communication is the key.”
Remote learning will continue for at least two weeks after the break.
