A report from Sick Kids Hospital and a letter to the Ministers of Education and Health from the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health both recommend that Ontario schools reopen as soon as possible but emphasize that school re-openings should not happen at the same time as other sectors reopen.

Both groups also warn that effective testing, control of community spread, reduction of risks for staff, and enhanced physical distancing are key if schools are to stay open.

The Sick Kids report maintains that smaller class sizes should be a “priority strategy”, but there was no agreement about exactly how small classes should be; it recommends that students in the younger grades be kept in small cohorts and continues to recommend appropriate physical distancing (which many say is difficult with larger class sizes in small physical classrooms).

The report emphasizes that it is essential to reduce the burden on families if schools are to ensure that families keep sick kids at home. It specifically names paid sick days and financial support for families as ways employers and the government can play a critical role in maintaining school safety.

Read People for Education's synopsis of the reports and recommendations.