School closures extended to May 31st

DAN CEARNS Local Journalism Initiative, for The Standard

NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: To continue to protect students from COVID-19, the province of Ontario announced, on Sunday, April 26th, they are extending closures of publicly funded elementary and secondary schools until at least May 31st. In late March, the province announced an extension of school closures until Monday, May 4th, but recently felt a further extension was necessary. “The government is taking a careful approach which provides our medical experts the time to review the modelling and make the best decision for the safety of our students and the future of learning,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said, in a press release. The press release explained, the decision was “based on expert advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health officials on the COVID-19 Command Table.” The province ensures students they can continue to access learning resources through the provincial Learn at Home portal. “Regardless of what transpires over the coming weeks, Ontario’s students will be able to complete their school year with confidence,” explained Minister Lecce, in the press release. The portal can be accessed by going online, to www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home.