BARRIE, ONT. --
Education Minister Stephen Lecce told school board chairs to encourage staff and students to bring essential learning materials home over the holidays.
In his Tuesday memo, Lecce said that the precaution would help the education system be ready for "all scenarios."
He says the government is eyeing an increase in hospitalizations and ICU admissions from COVID-19.
"The public health environment in Ontario continues to evolve rapidly. The government is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation, including recent trends in hospitalizations and intensive care unit patients," Lecce said.
There are seven schools in Simcoe County with active outbreaks as of Thursday, including a new outbreak at St. Mary's Catholic School in Barrie.