Ontario’s Education Minister has decided not to extend the holiday break for schools past the scheduled two weeks.
In a statement, Stephen Lecce says public health officials say it’s not necessary at this time.
Lecce notes that schools have been “remarkably successful at minimizing outbreaks,” and case numbers and trends will continue to be monitored to determine how best to protect students, staff and families.
There were hints earlier this week that the Minister was considering the measure to help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases in some areas.
To date, 13 percent of Ontario’s schools have reported cases since the start of the pandemic, with 670 schools reporting at least one case of COVID-19 since September.
Only a handful of cases have impacted northwestern Ontario schools.
There were hints earlier this week that the Minister was considering this measure, to help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases in some areas.
The full statement can be read below.
