Students in Ontario will be going back to class full time in September. Starting September 8th you can drop your children off at school.
Premier Doug Ford says they have to weigh the risks of COVID-19 and harm school closures is having on physical, mental and personal development of kids. Ford says all staff will have to wear masks and cloth masks will be required for students in Grades 4 to 12. Masks will be optional for the youngest learners. Ford says schools will be open 5 days a week with 5 hours of learning per day with breaks and lunches between. Ford says they’re investing $309-million to hire 500 public health nurses, 900 custodians, and purchase supplies to keep staff and students safe.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says they will respect the choice of parents to determine when and if they want to send their kids back to class. Lecce adds most secondary schools in Ontario will reopen under an adapted model with groups of 15 students alternating online and in class. He adds secondary schools in lower risk areas will be able to resume full in class learning in September.
The health and safety measures include:
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Requiring all child care staff to wear masks at all times, effective September 1;
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Ensuring frequent cleaning of child care centres;
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Screening of children and staff before entering a childcare facility;
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Maintaining attendance records for rigorous contact tracing and coordination with local public health authorities;
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Ensuring frequent hand washing and proper hand hygiene for children and staff; and
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Establishing clear and rigid case management protocols in the event a staff member or child becomes ill, or tests positive for COVID-19.
