KITCHENER

Waterloo Region's top doc 'not planning' to close in-person learning at schools

Katherine Hill CTVNewsKitchener.ca Digital Content Producer

Published Monday, April 5, 2021 4:59PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, April 6, 2021 3:46PM EDT

In this file photo, grade one teacher Heidi Dimou arranges the desks in line with physical distancing policy in her class at the Willingdon Elementary School in Montreal, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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KITCHENER -- Waterloo Region's top doctor said she's "not planning" to shut down in-person learning at local schools.

In an emailed statement to CTV Kitchener, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said "given our overall COVID-19 situation in the region at this time," she doesn't plan to issue a Section 22 order to shutdown schools.

"We are however monitoring our local situation closely and will take additional actions as required," a statement from Dr. Wang said in part.

Regional offiicals said Tuesday there was no change to plans to have in-person learning conitnue this week.

Schools in Peel Region were ordered to close as of April 6 as COVID-19 cases surge in that area. Students in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will move to online learning until at least April 18. Toronto schools will close on Wednesday.

Spring break is still expected to go ahead across Ontario on April 12.

A statement from Waterloo Region's Catholic school board said there were no plans to move to virtual learning between now and April break.

The Waterloo Region District School Board said public health hadn't indicated any plans to change modes of learning for local students.

Officials with the Upper Grand District School Board said Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health plans to issue a Section 22 order on Tuesday, meaning schools in that region will close on Wednesday until at least April 18.