Although COVID-19 did not take a holiday over the holidays, infecting more people than ever, Ontario intends to move forward with its plan to reopen schools in January.
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In an open letter to parents, Education Minister Stephen Lecce confirmed that all elementary school children will return to class as scheduled on Monday January 11, even though the province is storing around 3,000 more infections. per day.
High school students will also return to class on January 11 in the north of the province, but those in the south will have to live two weeks of school at home before returning to school on January 25.
The Ontario government decreed, on December 26, a complete containment similar to the one currently underway in Quebec. This closure period for schools, businesses and other non-essential services is due to end on January 11 in the north and January 25 in the south of the province, where the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in Ontario are concentrated.
As for the first week of January, it will consist of virtual classes for all students of all levels.
Like the Caquista government, which has repeatedly reiterated that it would close schools as a last resort, Doug Ford’s troops promote learning in the classroom, particularly at the elementary level.
“We firmly believe that schools are essential for the well-being, mental health and development of children and therefore must be protected at all costs so that they can remain open and classroom education can continue. ‘continue there safely,’ pleaded Minister Stephen Lecce in his letter.
“Prominent medical experts have made it clear that schools are not a source in the growing community transmission [de la COVID-19]“, Added Mr. Lecce to justify the decision to maintain the schedule for the return to class of children.
Recall that in Quebec, the government of François Legault initially planned that the holiday containment started at Christmas would end on January 10. Elementary schools should reopen on January 11 across the province.
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