Ontario sees back-to-school absences, unclear how many linked to COVID

Data from Ontario shows many of its schools were hit by high rates of absences when in-person classes resumed last week.  More than 300 schools reported absence rates higher than 30 per cent.

The province was hit by a major major snow storm last week, which prompted many school boards to cancel school bus service and in-person classes. However, numbers do not indicate the reasons behind the absences nor whether they are related to COVID-19.

Ontario is no longer publishing information on cases in schools due to a restricted testing policy, but began sharing data on absences online Monday.

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As of Friday, 337 schools had absent rates of at least 30 per cent, including 111 schools that were more than half empty.

The information is based on numbers made available for 3,451 of the province’s 4,844 schools.

Meanwhile, Quebec has extended its proof-of-vaccination requirements to apply to big-box stores, such as Walmart and Costco. Deputy Health Minister Lionel Carmant is set to unveil the government’s plan to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19 on Monday.

Last week, Quebec’s anti-corruption unit said it would be carrying out a “large-scale” investigation into cases of alleged fraud related to the production and sale of false COVID-19 vaccine passports.

The police force, known as UPAC, warned that people who produce, sell or use false COVID-19 vaccination documents could face criminal charges, including breach of trust and corruption, and charges under the Public Health Act.

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Last week, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam announced the approval of Pfizer’s antiviral pill in Canada. She said those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 could be prioritized for a newly-approved treatment that is in short supply.

The announcement left many wondering how this would affect incentivization hesitancy especially within communities with low vaccination rates.