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WATCH: Schools will remain closed: Ford

Overnight camps also won't be happening this summer, according to Ford

1:05 p.m. update:

Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced today that schools will not reopen for the 2019-2020 school year.

Lecce assured parents that summer learning supports will be available on a voluntary basis.

When asked why he didn't consider reopening schools in areas with a low number of COVID-19 cases, Premier Ford said simply, "I am just not going to chance it."

The education minister said it is obvious that schools will not look the same in September, assuring reporters that before the end of June, a plan will be unveiled to the public for the 2020-2021 school year.

This summer will also look different for families and children, as Ford announced that overnight camps will remain closed.

"We just can't have camps with 500 kids living together right now," the premier said.

As long as trends continue to improve, summer day camps will be allowed to open in July and August with strict health measures in place.

Licensed child care centres are also to remain closed as Ontario continues to navigate the first stage of reopening as a result of COVID-19. However, emergency child care for frontline workers will still be available.

Lecce explained that the province will gradually reopen child care facilities with strict health protocols going into phase two of the reopening plan.

Original story:

Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to make an announcement today regarding COVID-19 in Ontario from Queen's Park at 1 p.m.

It is expected that the government will reveal what the rest of the school year will look like for Ontario's students.

Ford confirmed last week that Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, would provide details to parents and teachers about the fate of child care and in-person instruction at schools across the province today.

Ford and Lecce will be joined by Christine Elliot, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, to make the announcement.

Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.



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