Ontario Premier Doug Ford admits he’s nervous about students heading back to class in September.
Ford is sympathetic with parents who are equally worried, but notes the return-to-school unveiled last week came from the best health experts in the world.
“They’ve come up with a plan (and) I respect their plan…they’re the experts, we are not,” says Ford, “For the parents that are nervous I understand…I’m nervous as the Premier.”
He notes Ontario’s strategy differs from other provinces where class sizes are larger, masks aren’t required and schools won’t necessarily have public health nurses.
“(We’ve) put $80 million more into hiring more staff…more cleaning services. We’re the only jurisdiction or province that is hiring 500 nurses, specifically for schools, at $15 million.”
Premier Ford adds that safety remains paramount to everyone involved.
“Folks, there’s nothing more important to me and all the parents, and everyone…even if you don’t have kids…the number one concern is to make sure our kids are safe when they go back.”
Ontario is the only province requiring students to wear masks and allowing them to learn from home if they wish.
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