Ontario will launch phase one of “Learn at home Portal”

Ontario is launching a new Learn at Home portal as uncertainty remains over when students will return to school. Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Steven Lecce announced the first phase of the new online tool for parents and students to assist with at-home learning. The portal is in line with grades K-12 curriculum and tutors are available through TVO. Right now, schools are expected to re-open April 5. If closures need to be extended, the province will launch the second phase of this portal. Lecce says he is working to ensure that graduation won’t be affected and students can apply and get into post-secondary institutions. Ford made the learning portal announcement Friday, as he gave an update on how the province is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The province is asking people to contact Telehealth or their family doctor if they experience symptoms, before heading to a COVID-19 test centre. According to the Premier, Ontario has tested over 3,000 people in the past 24 hours. He and Health Minister Christine Elliott continued to direct people to the province’s online assessment tool. Ontario hospitals are now only allowing essential visitors to try to keep patients safe and practice social distancing.