Following the announcement made on March 12 for all schools to remain closed until April 6, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stated that schools will remain closed until further notice. The move has been put into effect with regard to the health and safety of children in the province, amidst the threat of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“Our priority is making sure our kids are safe, that’s our number one priority.”, said Doug Ford in a conference held at Queen’s Park yesterday. “We’re in a state of emergency.” He did not state when schools would reopen again.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce, in an open letter shared on his official Twitter account, talked about the importance of preserving children from the risk of contracting COVID-19. He also encouraged parents to have open conversations with their children about the pandemic, with a view to explain the situation and allay any fears.
Please share my open letter to parents during #COVID19. We are in this together.#onpoli pic.twitter.com/joDcRhzxy8
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) March 22, 2020
In an effort to continue education despite school closure, Ontario has launched a comprehensive online learning tool to help children stay on their toes while in quarantine. Learn At Home, the government’s e-learning website, offers quick and easy access to learning resources for children from kindergarten to grade 12. Additionally, the portal also provides free, one-on-one support to kids by Ontario Certified Teachers.
