Province Extends At Home Learning Until January 25th

Thursday, 7 January 2021 at 15:02

It's official, the Province has confirmed Elementary schools will be closed next week as remote learning has been extended for another 14 days.

ONTARIO - Elementary students in southern Ontario will not be heading back to class next week.

The Province announced today they are extending the at home learning for elementary students until January 25th in Southern Ontario. They are also extending the lockdown in Northern Ontario for another 14 days. Premier Doug Ford says these time-limited measures are being taken to help ensure that all Ontarians stay at home as much as possible.

"With the public health trends where they are across the province, our priority remains keeping students, teachers, school staff, and all Ontarians safe. That's why we're extending the remote learning period for students in Southern Ontario and the shutdown period for Northern Ontario, while continuing to provide financial relief for parents through the Support for Learners program as well as electricity rate relief for all time-of-use customers. We have to get the numbers down and today's measures will help us continue to stop the spread of this deadly virus."

The plan right now is for Elementary schools to resume in person learning on January 25th, which aligns with high schools. According to recent data, the positivity rate for kids aged 12-13 years old increased from 5.44 per cent in late November, early December to nearly 20 per cent in early January.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he remains committed to getting kids back in class.

"I have and remain firmly committed to getting students back into class as soon as possible, there is nothing more important. However, the best medical and scientific experts have been clear: while schools have been safe places for kids, the sharp rise in community transmission puts that progress and Ontario families at risk. During this time, students will remain engaged in live teacher-led online learning with access to enhanced mental health and technology supports."

The release from the Province did not have any information related to daycares.