Ford Says COVID-19 Outbreaks In Schools Could Happen As Early As 'The First Day' Back

Doug Ford states he will do whatever it takes to keep schools safe. In a press conference on Monday, the premier stated that he "will not hesitate for a second to close these schools down." However, Ford also mentioned that Ontario's school reopenings could cause a COVID-19 outbreak as early as "the first day" back. 

When asked about a recent case of a kid getting COVID-19 in a child care centre, which is located in a secondary school in Caledon, Ontario, Ford addressed the unease moving forward.

He said that a resurgence of COVID-19 can and will happen at any time, and could even occur on the very first day back to school. 

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However, the premier promised to close the schools back down should it become unsafe.

"It could be the first day, it could be the second. I just want to remind everyone, if it really starts taking off, I will not hesitate for a second to close these schools down," Ford stated. 

"In the blink of an eye, they're down, they're done, bang, closed."

The premier also said that he is confident that the provincial response team will handle the situation with care.

"I'll be very frank. There's gonna be outbreaks, and we have an incredible health team that's gonna be going into the area and they have proper protocols," Ford assured.

The announcement comes two weeks before schools are scheduled to reopen again on September 15, after the initial reopening was staggered. 

There has been considerable concern among parents about sending their kids back to class.

Currently, the outbreak protocol for school will be activated if there are two or more lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, according to Ontario public health.

The premier has said that on Monday, out of the 114 new cases, 21 of them were kids under 19. 

"There will be bumps in the road but we will get through it like we've been able to get through every other challenge that the world, the country and this province has seen, we will get through it."