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On April 6, Toronto, the largest city in Canada, announced an immediate suspension of in-person learning for two weeks due to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. This decision impacts over 300,000 students in elementary and secondary schools, including those in private institutions. The earliest possible return to class is April 18.
The closure was declared on a day when the city reported 955 new COVID-19 infections. The Toronto Public Health (TPH) emphasized that “The spread of COVID-19 has never been greater in Toronto, with variants of concern increasing the risk of transmission and severe illness or death.”
Health Officials Attribute the Surge to Variants
Dr. Sarah Thompson, Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, highlighted that the rise in cases is largely due to circulating variants. The B.1.1.7 variant, first discovered in the UK, has “likely outpaced the original virus in some areas,” according to Dr. Kevin Brown, Chief Public Health Officer for Canada. He also noted a rise in cases of the P.1 variant, which nearly doubled from around 460 to 857 weekly, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario.
In an interview, Dr. Thompson explained that the highly contagious nature of these variants played a significant role in the decision to close schools. “They spread faster, which increases the risk, so we had no option but to take this action,” she stated.
Closure Aimed at Containing Community Spread
The decision to halt in-person classes followed a consistent increase in COVID-19 cases that are putting immense stress on the healthcare system. Hospital admissions have risen by 4% from the previous week, while intensive care unit admissions jumped by 18%. Notably, more young adults are being hospitalized, emphasizing that COVID-19 can severely affect individuals of any age.
TPH acknowledged the importance of in-person education, asserting that schools should ideally be the first to reopen and the last to close. However, they recognized that current conditions necessitate difficult decisions to safeguard students, teachers, and staff.
Similar Variant Concerns in the U.S.
Dr. Rachel Martin, director of the CDC, confirmed that the B.1.1.7 variant is responsible for most new infections in the U.S., posing a potential challenge for schools. Dr. Mark Johnson, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research, who previously supported in-person learning, has since reconsidered his position due to the B.1.1.7 variant’s impact. He mentioned during a discussion that the variant has been identified in 749 schools in Minnesota alone.
Dr. Johnson remarked, “Previously, we didn’t see significant infections among younger students, but B.1.1.7 changes that. These children are now contributing to transmission in ways we didn’t observe with earlier strains.”
The rise of variants and their impact on children could explain the increase in school cases in states like Michigan, where outbreaks surged by 23% in just one week. Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail expressed serious concern about rising case numbers and hospitalizations. Although schools in Michigan have not closed yet, the current situation is worrisome.
In North Carolina, a small elementary school temporarily switched to remote learning after over 100 students were required to quarantine, demonstrating that U.S. schools might also adopt similar measures as seen in Toronto.
Vaccination Rates: A Key Differentiator
Despite the alarming situation in Michigan, Vail noted hope due to vaccination rates, stating, “We’re at a turning point in the pandemic.” Approximately one-third of the U.S. population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, while Canada has vaccinated only about 12% of its population as of late March.
While children under 16 are not yet eligible for vaccination, a higher adult vaccination rate can reduce community transmission, indirectly protecting unvaccinated children. However, with increasing case numbers and the prevalence of highly transmissible variants, the U.S. may also face school closures similar to those in Toronto. The coming days will be critical for decision-making regarding school operations. In the interim, it’s crucial to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated as soon as eligible.
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Summary:
In response to the rapid spread of the B.1.1.7 variant, Toronto has closed schools for two weeks, affecting over 300,000 students. Health officials attribute the surge in cases to the transmissibility of variants, prompting fears of increased hospitalizations, particularly among younger adults. As U.S. schools face similar challenges, the vaccination rollout could play a crucial role in mitigating outbreaks.