Many South Etobicoke parents have to change their plans after learning that March Break for students and teachers has been pushed back a month.

The week-long break, which was originally scheduled for March 15 to 19, will now take place on the week of April 12 to 16 due to the virus.

This “is postponing March Break, not cancelling it,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said at Queen’s Park on February 18. It is ‘an important way that schools can help to limit of community transmission” of COVID-19, Lecce said.

Lecce added that the decision was based on the advice of medical experts, with the understanding that “congregation is a key driver of the spread of COVID-19.”

“This postponement also limits any further disruption to students as they could return to in-person learning during a time that has been challenging,” he told reporters.

“The decision to postpone March Break has not been an easy one, but necessary to keep Ontario families safe from this variant,” Lecce said.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said when kids and teachers do go on March Break in April, they should still remain within their region and avoid travelling.

Government officials said the decision to defer March Break was “all the more important” as the province sees an emergence of new COVID-19 variants of concern.

Williams said students and teachers should stay at home as much as possible and continue following the direction of public health officials during their break.