26 April 2020 – Schools to remain closed until May 31st

Type of Intervention: Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Education, Health
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Adapting or closing schools
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Minister of Education (Stephen Lecce)

Overview: The Ontario government announced an extension of school closures until at least May 31, 2020, with the possibility for a further extension. This intends to protect the health and safety of Ontario’s school communities, including students, staff, and families.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2020/04/school-closures-extended-to-keep-students-staff-and-families-safe.html

Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Source of Evidence or Justification: Sub-national, Chief Medical Officer of Health and COVID-19 Command Table
Evidence/Justification: This decision was based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health officials on Ontario’s COVID-19 Command Table. Advice to extend school closures was given in order to permit updated modelling and data to inform the province’s next steps and to keep students, staff, and families safe.