COVID-19 Resources for Schools and Child Care Centres

Masked young girl interacting with masked teacher

COVID-19 Case and Contact Information

Please see the Ministry of Health Management of Case and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario August 31^st 2022 (Version 15) for full details on testing, screening, isolation and household contact information.
UPDATE: As of October 1, the guidance found on page 25 about international travel is outdated. Visit Travel.gc.ca for the most updated guidance related to travel to and from Canada.

COVID-19 Screening

All students and school staff must screen for COVID-19 every day before going to school. Use the Ontario Government’s School and Child Care Screening Tool (online or in print).

COVID-19 Testing for School Aged Children

Rapid tests, which can be acquired through the child’s school, pharmacy or doctor’s office, should be used to verify COVID-19 infection in school aged children.

Rapid tests can produce a false negative result if taken too soon. It is recommended that a second test be taken at least 24 hours after the initial negative test.

What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive

Stay home and not attend: work, school, child-care, or other public spaces
Only leave home if it is a medical emergency or for a clinical assessment/ test
If they leave for a medical emergency or clinical assessment they should:
- Wear a medical mask
- Distance from others
Should stay in a separate room, away from household members as much as possible; and wear a mask in any common areas.
The positive individual may participate in independent outdoor exercise. They should not participate in outdoor fitness activities with other people.

The isolation period for symptomatic school aged individuals with no additional complications is until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours; with no fever or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms are involved.

If the individual tested positive for COVID-19 but has no symptoms they do not have to isolate. If symptoms occur they need to isolate immediately.

What to do after COVID-19 isolation ends

For 10 days after COVID-19 symptom onset or positive test result the individual must:

Wear a well fitted mask in all public settings
Avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary
Do not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness
Avoid all non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospital and long term care homes

What close contacts of a case should do

In the community, it is the responsibility of the individual with COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 positive test to determine who their close contacts are and to notify them of their potential exposure.

For a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 positive case or individual with COVID-19 symptoms, the close contact should:

Self-monitor for symptoms
Self-isolate immediately if they develop any symptom of COVID-19
Wear a well fitted mask in all public settings
Avoid non-essential visits to anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (e.g., seniors)
Avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long term care homes

COVID-19 Provincial Hotline

If you have questions related to COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines, please call the Provincial Information Hotline at 1-888-777-0730. They are available 7 days a week from 8am to 6pm.

Staying Safe In School

While most COVID-19 public health measures have been lifted, COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and remains a health risk. The following protective measures will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.

Wearing a face mask
Vaccinating against COVID-19
Testing for COVID-19
Practicing good hand hygiene
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, a mask, or your elbow