Ford government reportedly hasn’t ruled out return to in-person learning

Many parents and teachers have given up on the possibility of kids returning to the classroom before the end of the school year, but it appears the province is still holding out hope.

The Ford Government continues to mull over a possible return to in-person learning in areas with low rates of COVID-19, it also remains concerned about the potential risks.

Sources tell the Toronto Star a return to class isn’t out of the question, but says the decision will be left up to the chief medical officer of health.

On Monday, Dr. David Williams said he wants to see schools re-open first, and “as soon as we can.”

A spokesperson for the Minister of Education tells the Star they know how critical it is to have children in school and adds with all education workers now eligible for vaccines, they’re ensuring every front line worker in schools and child care settings gets a shot.

“Our focus remains on tackling high rates of community transmission, which includes the stay-at-home order (and) dedicating more vaccines to hot spots.”

Teachers unions have said they are in support of a return to in-person learning so long as it is done in a safe manner.

There are now less than two months left in the school year and the provincial stay-at-home order that is set to expire on May 20 will likely be extended into June.

All schools are currently teaching classes online as the province remains under a stay-at-home order imposed due to high COVID-19 rates. Schools were ordered closed to in-person learning indefinitely on April 12.

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RELATED:

• Ontario educators, advocacy groups raise alarm about Ford government’s online learning plan

• Health Canada approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 12-15

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The Ford government released details to its 2021-2022 education funding plan last week that will see around $2 billion spread out to improve multiple resources including COVID-19 assets, staffing, and mental health initiatives.

The government will provide for another year of temporary COVID-19 supports totalling more than $1.6 billion in available resources and school boards across will be asked to offer virtual learning as a mandatory option for students and staff for the full school year.

Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott said Ontario is working to ensure education workers are able to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before September.

She also said the province is “actively” working on a plan to vaccinate children but there is no timeline for that plan as of yet.

Ontario’s Solicitor General reaffirmed on Tuesday that the province will be offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to people as young as twelve after that age group was approved for the shot by Health Canada.

Sylvia Jones says the province will need to check on the vaccine supply and consult with local health units before opening the shots to younger teens.