March Break to be extended by two weeks for students across Ontario
Posted Mar 12, 2020 08:19:00 PM.
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All publicly funded schools in Ontario will be closing from March 14 to April 5, as the provincial government works to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted locally.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, the Ontario government said it's working to make sure the provincial health care system is ready for any coronavirus-related scenario, but given developments both internationally and in Canada, it felt further action was needed.
Based on advice from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams and experts at the Ontario COVID-19 Command Table, the Minister of Education issued a Ministerial Order to close all publicly funded schools in Ontario for two weeks following March break.
The order was approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
“We recognize the significant impact this decision will have on families, students, schools, as well as the broader community, but this precaution is necessary to keep people safe,” read the government's statement.
Provincial officials said they are also mindful of those working in other public institutions and buildings, and “as this situation evolves, Ontario's COVID-19 Command Table is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any scenario and provide the government with advice on measures to keep the public and frontline workers safe.”
