Ontario students can once again benefit from extra-curricular activities, including high-contact sports in schools, effective immediately, now that the province has removed more restrictions.
In alignment with advice from public health officials, layers of protection will remain in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19, including masking and daily on-site confirmation of screening.
Students and other participants will be required to wear a mask while on school premises but may temporarily remove their mask where required, to enable active participation in activities such as playing basketball or musical instruments.
“I have always believed that sports and extra-curriculars are an essential part of a student’s learning journey and support positive mental and physical health,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said. “That is why, with the full support of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, students can partake in extra-curricular high-contact sports and activities in Ontario schools. This will allow students to participate in activities like indoor basketball, volleyball, choir, and wind instrument ensembles – activities that help students become well-rounded leaders, build teamwork skills, and support the development of students.”
Indoor curriculum-based programs including health and physical education and music, will continue with similar masking and other health and safety requirements in place.
“Thanks to the efforts of Ontarians to go out to get their booster dose and to adhere to current public health and workplace safety measures, the province has seen a recent steady decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “While the months ahead will require continued vigilance, our hard work has allowed us to gradually and cautiously lift public health measures to let children and youth in schools participate in extra-curricular activities, and public hospitals to resume non-urgent surgeries and procedures.”
