Ontario Education Minister Steven Lecce announced Wednesday afternoon that except for students in Toronto and Peel, class is in session on Monday.
“ We made a commitment to get your kids back to class. We said this had to be safe. While it has not been easy, on parents, students and our education staff, I want to be clear. Safety is what has, and what will drive our decisions every step of the way. We will not put your child and your family at risk. We were the first to close schools in this country last March, and today we are the only province that decided to cautiously, and gradually, reopen our schools.”
Lecce stressed safety is the bottom line and if the numbers start going in the wrong direction again they will not hesitate to close them again.
“ We know how critical getting kids back to school is, for the mental health and development of our children. Perhaps most importantly, while kids stayed home to learn remotely, and with the introduction of tough members, and the stay at home orders for all Ontario residents, we have seen a consistent decline in community transmission. With the full support of our chief Medical Officer of Health, and with the unanimous support of all local Medical Officers of Health, Ontario is ready to reopen the schools because it is safe”.
Schools across Chatham-Kent and Lambton County will be open for business on Monday morning.
Only the schools in Toronto and Peel region will remain closed, but are expected to open Tuesday, February 16th, after the Family Day holiday.