March Break In Ontario Was Just Officially Postponed 'To Protect Staff & Students'

It looks like March Break in Ontario won't be happening in March this year. 

Today, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced that schools will delay their spring break until April 12, 2021. 

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The decision [...] has not been an easy one, but necessary to keep Ontario families safe from this variant. Stephen Lecce

"At this time, it is critical that we continue to prioritize the health and safety of students, staff, and their families, so we can continue with the safe return to in-person learning," Lecce told reporters.

Lecce explained that it was of utmost importance to "protect our communities from the emerging variants of this disease."

He also expanded on additional measures that will be taken at schools as the province's economy gradually reopens. 

"These measures include mandatory masking, [..] a better quality mask for Ontario students, provincewide access to asymptomatic testing for students and staff, as well as enhanced screening for students and staff before they enter the school," said Lecce. 

He expects private schools to do the same. "We are very much expecting cooperation with us within the province of Ontario to reduce the potential risk that comes with these variants."

Monday, February 8 marked the first day back to school for many Ontario students. Yet children in York, Toronto and Peel will have to wait until February 16 to return to the classroom.