Doctors urge Premier not to close down schools in the name of containing COVID-19.
Over 500 doctors in Ontario are encouraging Premier Doug Ford not to shut down schools in January, despite a surge in new COVID-19 cases fueled by the Omicron variant.
A letter was sent to Ford, Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
As reported by CTV News, the letter says government shouldn't control the spread of the disease through school closures.
"Children and youth have experienced significant harms since March 2020 due to prolonged school closures, and we now must prioritize the needs of children and youth," the letter states.
The doctors listed a number of recommendations to allow schools to safely remain open, including more frequent and improved rapid antigen testing.
As well, the letter also says school closures have taken a mental and physical toll on children and youth, resulting in higher rates of mental illness and eating disorders.
Yesterday, the Premier states his government would make an announcement about in-person classes in the coming days.
Most of the province's public boards are set to return to classes on January 3rd.

Oxford OPP Lay Charges After Warrant Execution
Camping Season is Open at Pittock
Application Window Open for Oxford County Grants Program
PJHL Preview - Schmalz Cup Final
Oxford Winds Celebrates 30 Years
Nomination Period Opens for Municipal Election
Theft in Thamesford is Under Investigation
Winning Lotto 6/49 Ticket Sold in Oxford
Thamesford Lions Club Celebrates 65 Years
Yellow Frost Advisory Issued for Oxford
News Poll: Schmalz Cup 2026
Realtors Care Food Drive Returns Next Week
PJHL Playoff Recap - April 29th
Charges Laid After Altercation in Woodstock
New Partnership Protects Land in Oxford
Bomb Threat Unfounded in Woodstock
Big Projects Announced for TVDSB
Tick Season Reminders from Southwestern Public Health
PJHL Playoff Recap - April 28th
Highway Construction Approaching in Burgessville
Comments
Add a comment