Journal Staff
Ontario schools will not reopen in June and will remain closed until September, the provincial government said today.
"Today's announcement gives parents certainty, knowing that their children can continue to learn safely at home,” said Premier Doug Ford.
Local public schools have been closed since March 13. They were initially supposed to reopen two weeks after March Break, but the closure has been extended several time in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Private schools and licensed child-care centres will also remain closed during Stage 1 of the province’s reopening framework, which began today.
Emergency childcare will continue to support for health-care and other front-line workers.
A gradual reopening of childcare spaces and summer day camps could begin this summer, based on public health criteria, the province said.
Safety protocols will be set up for students and staff returning to school classrooms in September.
A province-wide virtual learning program will also be enhanced, the government said.