Hamilton schools will remain closed after holidays, says Premier Doug Ford

Hamilton schools will begin the second semester using remote learning technology as students and staff stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

On Monday, the province announced lockdowns across Ontario including in most school districts. In Hamilton, elementary schools will remain closed until Jan. 11, 2021, while secondary schools will remain closed until Jan. 25, 2021.

All students will be enrolled in remote learning in the meantime.

Asking students and staff to stay home a little longer will help ensure we do what's needed to control the spread. These are decisions that are extremely difficult but critical," said Premier Doug Ford on Monday.

During this period, child care centres, authorized recreational and skill-building programs, as well as home-based child care services will stay open, the province said.

From Jan. 4 to 8, before and after school programs will be closed while emergency child care for health care and front line workers will be offered.

The province said boards will be required to make exceptions for in-person support for students with special education needs where possible.

While our schools are not a source of rising community transmission, we can play an important part of the solution to save lives from COVID-19," said Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a statement.

During this period, students will pivot to teacher-led online learning, with child care provided for our front line workers. We are taking proactive and preventive action to protect schools following the holiday break to ensure kids can continue in-class learning - something we believe is so important - for the remainder of the year."

Jacob Lorinc's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows him to report on stories about education.