Ford says announcement on reopening schools coming later today

Premier Doug Ford says the province will make an announcement on Thursday on whether schools will reopen for many students next week.

Ford says he received new data Wednesday night that indicates COVID-19 positivity rates amongst children have been increasing.

He says that data has caused concern about the reopening of schools.

All students are currently learning online as part of a provincial lockdown, but those in northern Ontario and elementary students in southern Ontario are set to return to schools next week.

Ford to consult with medical experts about whether elementary schools should re-open as planned

Ford says Ontario’s chief medical officer of health will make an announcement on the matter.

Ontario’s largest teachers’ union has called on local public health units to reconsider the resumption of in-person learning next week.