Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced Wednesday that the provincial government had reached an agreement with school boards and unions to allow for the “voluntary” redeployment of education workers to facilities struggling during the novel coronavirus pandemic, including long-term care homes, hospitals and shelters.

Lecce made the announcement Wednesday, during a daily briefing alongside Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott.

Ford also addressed questions regarding Stage 1 of the province's relaunch strategy, which he has said will be unveiled on Thursday.

Ford said his government will listen to advice from the chief medical officer before moving ahead with the first stage of the three-stage plan, and wants to give companies enough time to prepare for an eventual reopening.

On Wednesday, Ontario’s chief medical officer Dr. David Williams said he doesn’t believe the province is ready to reopen.

Ontario reported 329 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 21,236 cases. The death toll has risen to 1,765 as 40 additional deaths were reported.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/6933902/doug-ford-announces-plans-stage-1-reopening-ontario-thursday/

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