Schools to Remain Open During Provincewide Emergency Brake
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a provincewide emergency brake. It will go into effect as of Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
This announcement means that all of Ontario will be moving into the Shutdown zone. Hamilton has been under the Grey – Lockdown restriction category since Monday, March 29, 2021.
On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are asked to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, or exercising outdoors with members of their household.
Schools to Remain Open
Before the announcement, Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education, revealed that schools will remain open during the provincewide emergency brake. The Chief Medical Officer of Health says schools remain a safe place.
Schools will remain open — critical for students’ mental health & learning.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health has said schools remain safe.
Against third wave & VOCs, strong protocols have kept 98.7% of schools open and 74% without any cases.
Students deserve to be in class.
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) April 1, 2021
This news means that HWDSB students and staff will return to schools as planned on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, following the holiday long weekend.
The province also said that spring break is scheduled to continue as planned for the week of April 12. During today’s announcement, Premier Doug Ford stated that the government will continue to observe the situation in schools. HWDSB will continue to monitor updates surrounding the upcoming break and communicate any changes.
Child care will also remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to firm health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.
Learn more about the provincewide emergency brake and HWDSB’s School Reopening Procedures. You can also find our latest COVID-19 Update here.