TORONTO --
Schools in Peel Region have been ordered to close and switch to remote learning only despite the provincial government saying it's their "firm belief" they should remain open.
Students in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will move to online learning from April 6 through to April 18 after Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lawrence Loh used his discretionary powers under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act to close schools.
All April Break spring camps for school-age children will also be cancelled.
"This closure is a necessary step to protect staff and students in Peel Region," Loh said Monday. "With increasing case counts and the presence of variants of concern, we need to break chains of transmission and keep our schools safe."