The province has no plans right now to change the date of the reopening of schools.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says learning will be virtual to start the new year but classroom instruction in northwestern Ontario can resume on January 11.
“There is a clear benefit for children to be in class. We are taking a one time, proactive, preventative, intervention at the front end of the school year following the holidays, following New Years Eve and Christmas and all of that to protect the incredible progress we’ve made in our schools.”
Lecce says additional supports will be provided in January to help reopen schools.
“We actually intend in early January announcing an additional $380 million fund to support improved air ventilation, more staffing, PPE for our schools, additional monies really to further improve the safety of schools.”
As for virtual learning to start the new year Lecce says students will continue to have access to their educator and mental health supports and they will continue to be engaged in the curriculum in a positive way.
He states “We may not be the problem when it comes to community transmission but we certainly be part of the solution.”
