Delayed March break still a go despite spike in cases: Lecce

Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the delayed March break is still scheduled to happen starting on April 12 despite the fact that COVID-19 cases are higher now than they were in March when the break was initially delayed.

The government’s reasoning for delaying the initial March break was to prevent families from traveling around the province and potentially bringing back the virus into classrooms.

Despite a worse situation now Lecce said the week off is still a go, although that could change depending on new guidance from Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams.

“These rising numbers obviously pose a challenge to the province so will seek his perspective and make sure it gets communicated if anything changes, but right now we’re proceeding,” Lecce said.

Lecce also said the government will soon announce plans to bring students safely back from that week off in April.

“We will be unveiling this week additional infection prevention measures that can be put in place upon the re-entrance of school following the April break.”

Opposition leader Andrea Horvath took aim at the government over what she called a lack of action on this issue.

“I was surprised to hear the Minister of Education doesn’t seem to be all that concerned and for me that’s very worrisome,” she said.