Today, the Ontario government announced they will be imposing a province wide “emergency brake” as a result of a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the province. This new restrictions will come into effect Saturday, April 3 at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
We have been informed that schools will remain open during this period. As released in the Ministry’s communication today, keeping schools open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario youth. During the emergency shutdown, schools will remain open for in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. The April Spring Break will continue as planned for the week of April 12 -16. In order to support working families, child care will remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to stringent health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.
Further details of the “Emergency Brake” order can be found at the following site: https://www.ontario.ca/page/enhancing-public-health-and-workplace-safety-measures-provincewide-shutdown
In the upcoming week, we will continue to prepare in the event that further restrictions are applied or if there are requirements to pivot to remote learning.
We ask that you please continue to adhere to the public safety rules, avoid unnecessary travel between regions, and complete the daily self-screening tool to ensure a safe return to school for all of us following the Easter weekend and the April Spring Break. As previously communicated, each of us is responsible for completing a daily self-screening (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/) each day before leaving for work or school.
We thank you for your continued support in keeping students, staff and families safe during this challenging time.