Ontario schools to close for 2 weeks after March Break

Ontario schools will be closed for two weeks after March Break due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, the province said on Thursday afternoon.

The decision was based on advice from Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the experts at the coronavirus Command Table.

The Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, issued a Ministerial Order to close all publicly funded schools in Ontario for two weeks following March break, in response to the emergence in Ontario of the pandemic.

Schools across the province will remain closed from March 14 to April 5.

“We recognize the significant impact this decision will have on families, students, schools, as well as the broader community, but this precaution is necessary to keep people safe,” the province said in a statement.

In response to the two week school shutdown, the TDSB said, “we have just learned that all Ontario schools, including those at the TDSB, have been ordered to close from March 14 to April 5 amid ongoing concerns about Coronavirus. We will be sharing additional details once we receive them.”

We have just learned that all Ontario schools, including those at the TDSB, have been ordered to close from March 14 to April 5 amid ongoing concerns about Coronavirus. We will be sharing additional details once we receive them.

— Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) March 12, 2020

To date, Ontario has 59 cases of coronavirus.

With coronavirus on the rise, Toronto Public Health is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.