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Ontario’s education minister says EQAO, the province’s standardized testing, is cancelled for the 2019-20 school year amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“During the COVID-19 global pandemic, students are facing immense pressures in their academic journey. Given these extraordinary circumstances, the government is taking immediate action to continue protecting the health and safety as well as reduce the burden on students,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said.

READ MORE: Ontario government declares state of emergency amid coronavirus pandemic

Lecce said his ministry consulted with parents, students, educators and administrators for elementary and secondary students and decided that all remaining standardized tests for the school year are cancelled.

“I want to be clear: this cancellation will not impede student graduation,” Lecce added.

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“We will continue to follow the advice of Ontario’s chief medical officer of health to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”