'I will not take unnecessary risks': Ford will not reopen schools, but will allow outdoor graduations
Schools across Simcoe Muskoka and the province will remain closed until at least the fall, but the government will allow outdoor graduation events this year, Premier Doug Ford announced Wednesday.
Ford said the province would work with school boards and health officials to help students get outside to celebrate with their peers.
"We can do this safely by sticking to our reopening plan," the premier added.
"With the stay-at-home order now lifting today as we approach Stage 1 of the Roadmap to Reopening, school boards can create safe outdoor graduation ceremonies working with their medical officer of health," Education Minister Stephen Lecce added.
Simcoe Muskoka's Catholic and public schools have been closed since the government shuttered schools across the province in mid-April as COVID-19 case counts and ICU admissions surged.
"I will not take unnecessary risks," the premier said about the decision to keep schools closed.
The province had previously said schools would welcome students back before step one of Ontario's reopening plan, set for mid-June.
"At a time when our top priority is putting the third wave behind us so that we can safely enter step one of our Roadmap to Reopen, we can't risk increased cases and potential downstream impacts on hospitals and ICUs," Ford added. "Making this tough decision now will allow kids to safely enjoy camps and outdoor activities this summer and a safe return to school in September."
Ontario's top doctor, along with a series of experts, supported students returning to classrooms for their mental and physical well-being, including Simcoe Muskoka's medical officer of health.
During a live conference Tuesday, Dr. Charles Gardner said children should return to in-person learning with COVID-19 infection rates decreasing. "I stay by my position. It would be best and certainly a good opportunity to open, but ultimately, it's the province's decision."
The health unit opened COVID-19 vaccination appointments to children 12 and older to book their first dose to be fully immunized for the start of the school year in the fall.
"I am strongly encouraging everyone to get a vaccine," Ford added. "Right now, we don't have enough kids vaccinated. We don't have enough teachers vaccinated."
The Pfizer shot is currently the only vaccine approved by Health Canada for children under 18.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.