Ontario announces schools closed until May 4

Ontario’s education minister Stephen Lecce announced today that elementary and high schools across the province will remain closed at least until May 4th for students in response to the pandemic.

The government announced they are moving onto a “phase 2” of a learn at home e-learning program that will keep course work going during the closure.

Lecce had previously ordered schools closed for two weeks following March break, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford said last week schools will not be reopening on April 6th. The director of education at the province’s largest school board in Toronto told parents last night they are developing a plan to “restore teacher-led learning to the greatest extent possible as of April 6th,” and that staff are working to determine what devices and internet access families have.

Today Ontario reported 260 more COVID-19 cases in the province, bringing the total to 1,966. There were no new deaths overnight, total deaths in the province is 33.  534 cases have been resolved.