BREAKING: Ford government announces $381 MILLION in funding, more schools to reopen across Ontario

"To protect Ontario students and staff, and with the aim of reopening all schools, we have again strengthened our plan with tougher measures and new investments," said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. "We agree with parents and medical experts that kids need to be learning in class - alongside their friends and teachers - as it is crucial for their mental wellbeing and development. We will continue to follow expert medical advice and work to get all schools open, for children in all regions of our province."

The funding will come from the federal Safe Return to Class Fund. Lecce acknowledged that transmission rates in school have been low, and that the majority of positive cases in schools come from outside of the classroom setting.

The funding will go towards improving " air quality and ventilation in schools, support online learning, promote student mental health and hire additional staff."

"... schools will have been provided with more than $1.6 billion to better protect students, staff, and families," a statement from the Ontario government reads.

The statement goes on: "As of February 1, 2021, more than 520,000 students across Ontario will be able to learn in-person. To support their safe return, and on the best advice of experts, Ontario is introducing additional measures to further protect students and staff, including:

• Provincewide access to targeted asymptomatic testing for students and staff, using a combination of lab-processed PCR and rapid antigen tests; • Mandatory masking for students in Grades 1-3, including outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained; • Enhanced screening of secondary students and staff; • New guidance discouraging students from congregating before and after; and • Temporary certification of eligible teacher candidates who are set to graduate in 2021 to stabilize staffing levels, following high levels of absenteeism."

"With these enhanced measures, we are making good progress towards a province-wide return to in-person learning, while keeping the safety of children, teachers and schools at the forefront," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Moreover, I am pleased to be getting more children back in class, which greatly benefits their development and well-being."