"Getting overwhelmed would be very easy, but we just need to make sure we don't burden ourselves. So constantly remind ourselves that we are doing the best that we can," he said.

As it stands, students living outside the five hot spots in the southern part of the province are due to return to class on Jan. 25.

"Based on the advice of the chief medical officer of health schools in Windsor-Essex, Peel, Toronto, York and Hamilton will remain closed for in-person learning until Feb. 10."

Students in southern Ontario will continue attending classes remotely until at least Jan. 25.

In-class learning will resume on Monday in the northern half of the province.

"Kids might be fine, they rarely get very sick with COVID, but you can't say the same about their parents and grandparents and that's what we're seeing in the hospital."

"Returning students to school now with community transmission and positivity rates so high risks losing the hard-fought progress made in keeping schools and students safe."

Premier Doug Ford says he is going to consult with the province's medical experts on whether students should return to schools next week.

Students across Ontario are engaged in virtual learning from home this week, but two Toronto-area doctors say schools should not reopen for in-person learning so soon.

The measure ends for all students in northern Ontario and elementary students in southern Ontario after the first week back from winter break.