The Ontario government has said it will postpone March Break for students and teachers for a month.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce made the announcement at Queen’s Park on Thursday afternoon alongside Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.
The week-long break, which was originally scheduled for March 15-19, will now take place on the week of April 12th.
“Postponing March Break, not cancelling it, is an important way that schools can help to limit community transmission,” Lecce said.
“I recognize that this is one more change in a year that has been challenging for so many students and our education staff who continue to work so hard, but is one made on the best advice of public health officials to keep them safe, and to keep our schools open in this province.”
Lecce added that the decision was based on the advice of medical experts, with the understanding that “congregation is a key driver of the spread of COVID-19.”
“This postponement also limits any further disruption to students as they could return to in person learning during a time that has been challenging.”
Ontario schools were switched to remote-only learning following the winter holiday break as case counts surged but the provincial government has gradually been allowing students to return to classrooms in recent weeks as case counts have declined.
Schools in an additional 13 public health units reopened on Monday, including Durham and Halton regions.
Meanwhile, schools in Toronto, York and Peel are set to reopen on Feb. 16.
