Ontario has finally unveiled its back-to-school plan for September, but some key questions remain unanswered.
Under the 26-page plan, all students will be able to return to in-person learning in the classroom as of September.
For the first time in months, all elementary and secondary school students will be able to attend school five days a week. Remote learning will continue to be an option.
Some school boards warn, however, that those who choose remote learning will not be able to switch back and forth.
Masks will be mandatory for grades 1-12, and optional for those in kindergarten.
"We will do our utmost to keep schools open for all students and families," said Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health. "And that will take a multi-faceted approach of masking, hand hygiene, distancing, screening on a daily basis, testing and case in contact management and improvements in ventilation. All of those measures that we’re recommending, I think, will keep our schools safe."
Sports and extracurricular activities, such as school assemblies, music and theater, will resume cautiously.
But there was no mention of how schools will deal with outbreaks or if there will be different rules for children who have been vaccinated. Moore said, however, that school boards must be prepared for closures due to COVID-19 by having plans in place to quickly go to remote learning if necessary.
Watch Moore's entire announcement below:
