Nearly half of Ontario young people aged 12 to 17 have received their first COVID-19 vaccine shot.
The province opened up vaccinations to residents as young as 12 last month.
So far, 45.7 per cent of people in that age group have received their first dose.
The province says plans to offer both vaccine doses to those aged 12 to 17 by the end of August.
“Our plan to fully immunize all eligible students and staff and create a more stable and normal September will be bolstered by an additional $1.6B investment in COVID-19 resources,” said a statement from Education Minister Stephen Lecce’s spokesperson Caitlin Clark.
“This investment will ensure the continuation of province-wide asymptomatic testing, public health nurses to support our schools, as well as enhanced school cleaning to keep schools safe.”
More details on health and safety measures for the 2021-2022 school year are expected this summer.
Earlier this month, Premier Doug Ford announced schools would remain closed to in-person learning until the fall, due to concerns over COVID-19 variants.
The province eased other COVID-19 restrictions including allowing non-essential retail and outdoor dining on June 11.
