Ontario to extend school March break by 2 weeks due to coronavirus

#OntarioSchools; #ExtendMarchBreak; #DougFord; #OntarioEducation; #COVID19

​Ottawa, Mar 12 (Canadian-Media): It was stated by Doug Ford's government that  based on the advice of Dr. David Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health publicly funded schools across will remain closed for two weeks following March break due to concerns about COVID-19, media reports said.

Doug Ford. Image credit: Twitter

"We recognize the significant impact this decision will have on families, students, schools, as well as the broader community, but this precaution is necessary to keep people safe," the premier's office said in a statement.

It's unclear child-care centres or other school-based programs would be effected by the extended break.

In an earlier news conference in Toronto on Thursday, health officials advised that anyone returning from travel to avoid public or group gatherings and to monitor themselves for symptoms.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce told reporters Thursday afternoon that following the two-week period, the province will evaluate to see what other measures might be required. 

Priority number one remains keeping students and staff safe from the threat of #COVID19. #ONpoli #CDNpoli pic.twitter.com/MXXfiJuTaS

— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) March 12, 2020

In the meantime, extra sanitation resources and personal hygiene products would be provided by the province, Lecce said. 

Lecce also said a plan is being finalized to ensure learning continues during this period but did not provide any more details.

With 17 new cases, including one infant, being confirmed earlier today, Ontario has a total of 59 cases of COVID-19.