Ontario government not allowing in-person classes until the Autumn

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

DURHAM/KAWARTHA: Ontario provincial government officials announced, at a press conference on Wednesday, June 2nd, students will not be going back to in-person school classes until September.

Premier Doug Ford explained, a return to school “before more students and teachers are vaccinated” could lead to “thousands of new [COVID-19] cases.”

Ontario’s Premier shared, the potential threat of spreading COVID-19 variants was one factor in making this decision.

“While no one wants kids back in school more than I do, as your Premier, these aren’t risks I’m willing to take,” Premier Ford said. Students will continue virtual learning for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year.

However, the province is encouraging schools to host outdoor graduation ceremonies.

“The government will allow school boards to invite graduating students, in elementary schools (by class) and secondary schools (by homeroom/quadmestered class), to return to school in June for a short, outdoor celebration, where physical distancing is possible,” read a provincial press release.