Schools in the Peel Region have been ordered to close and only use remote learning from April 6 to April 18. Dr. Lawrence Loh, the Medical Officer of Health, used his discretionary powers to close schools. “This closure is a necessary step to protect Peel Region staff and students,” Loh said.
Spring Break will take place during the week of April 12 to 16 as scheduled. While Toronto Public Health is continuing to monitor COVID-19 cases in schools, it is not advising students to switch to online learning. TPH says in a statement that it will continue to manage risk on a school-by-school basis. TPH said in a statement that “this decision will be revisited on a daily basis, and further recommendations may be made in the near future.”
While the last-minute closure will be “challenging” for many parents, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said it is the “right thing to do.” Three of Ontario’s top doctors have called for a stay-at-home order across the province.
York and Durham public health officials have also stated that they have no plans to close schools. Students in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph will also move to virtual learning, according to the Upper Grand District School Board. On Tuesday, Dr. Nicola Mercer is expected to issue a Section 22 order, effectively shutting down all in-person education in the region.
