Remote learning extended for students in Waterloo region, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph
Elementary students were slated to return to in-person learning on Jan. 11
Elementary and high school students in Waterloo region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) won't return to in-person learning until at least Jan. 25.
On Thursday, the province extended online learning for elementary students in southern Ontario who were slated to return to classrooms on Jan. 11. Secondary students in southern Ontario were already scheduled to go back on Jan. 25.
"With the public health trends where they are across the province, our priority remains keeping students, teachers, school staff, and all Ontarians safe," said Premier Doug Ford in a statement on Thursday.
Ontario reported a record high 3,519 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, as well as 89 more deaths.
Students in parts of northern Ontario will proceed with in-person learning on Jan. 11.
WDG announcement
Earlier Thursday, Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health for WDG, made the call to extend online learning until Jan. 24 for schools in Guelph, Wellington County and Dufferin County.
"The importance of in-class education on the overall health, well-being and development of our children remains the foundation of our education system … However, with a significant rise in cases across our region and evidence of transmission among school-aged children, we must make this difficult decision to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our region safe," said Dr. Mercer.
Schools have been instructed to continue in-person learning and education for students with special education needs who are unable to enroll in remote learning.
As of Thursday, there are 434 active COVID-19 cases in WDG.