Premier Doug Ford is ignoring advice from the Science table and will not re-open schools on a regional basis.
Kids will not return to class this semester in Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement this afternoon. He is ignoring recommendations from the Ontario Science Advisory table and former Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams who stated schools could safely re-open on a regional basis.
Ford says the experts who stated that opening schools on a regional basis is safe, could not guarantee that opening schools wouldn't cause a spike in new COVID-19 cases. He wants to keep the schools closed for now, so we can have a better summer.
“At a time when our top priority is putting the third wave behind us so that we can safely enter Step One of our Roadmap to Reopen, we can’t risk increased cases and potential downstream impacts on hospitals and ICUs. Making this tough decision now will allow kids to safely enjoy camps and outdoor activities this summer, and a safe return to school in September.”
Ford states he wants to see teachers and students fully vaccinated this summer and return to in class learning in September. The hope is that it will be a more normal year in September with extra curricular activities.
Vaccinations will not be mandatory for students to return to class in September. Ontario is the only province in the Country without having at least some schools open.
You can listen to the Premiers opening remarks below:

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