KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ministry of Education has postponed the March Break.
“In support of our collective efforts to keep schools safe, we are postponing March break until April 12-16, 2021. This decision was made with the best advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, including consultations with many local Medical Officers of Health.” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education today.
Many students have been learning remotely since the start of 2021. Officials say it is critical we follow public health advice to protect schools and avoid a repeat of the concerning spike in youth-related cases over the winter break when students and staff were out of schools for a prolonged period of time. Officials say the move is on the advice from health experts, including the province’s Science Table and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, to help protect against the emerging COVID-19 variants of concern.
“We appreciate the hard work of students and staff in the education sector and I want to be clear: March break is being postponed, not cancelled. To keep schools open, we must keep them free of COVID-19.” Lecce said, “The actions announced today serve to limit opportunities for congregation – while reaffirming the evidence that schools are safe for students. By continuing to follow public health advice, and by introducing additional safety measures and more testing, we are supporting our collective efforts to keep COVID-19 from entering our schools.”
With respect to travel, the government says their position is unchanged. The advice is  Ontarians should refrain from travelling, particularly given the increase in new variants that pose a direct risk to our country. “Please stay at home as much as possible and continue following the direction of public health officials so that we can keep schools open and protect our seniors, frontline health workers and all families.”
