Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, August 7, 2020. (Photo taken from YouTube.)Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, August 7, 2020. (Photo taken from YouTube.)
Windsor

Ontario considering extended winter break

Premier Doug Ford confirmed Education Minister Stephen Lecce is discussing the possibility of closing schools for an extended winter break with Ontario's top doctor.

During his daily media conference Tuesday, Ford said Lecce is sitting down with Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams to discuss schools but no decisions have been made.

"I just don't want to jump the gun here and say be prepared. It may not happen so let's wait for the minister," said Ford.

An announcement is expected within the next couple of weeks to give parents time to prepare.

Ford told reporters the goal is to keep students in class.

"Parents want their kids in school and it's working well. Out of the 4,828 schools, we have one closed," said Ford.

Lecce first hinted at the discussions while speaking with reporters in Toronto after Question Period on Tuesday.

Since September, there have been 3,518 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario schools.

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