COVID-19 Resources for Schools and Child Care Centres

As of March 21, 2022, face masks are no longer mandatory for school aged children. 

When is wearing a mask at school recommended?

Evidence from the early stages of the pandemic demonstrates that the implementation of mask mandates in community settings was associated with reductions in COVID-19 case growth (Public Health Ontario, 2022).

Wearing a mask or face covering has two benefits:

1)  It protects others around you from any germs you might have by containing your respiratory particles.

2)  It protects you from the germs from others around you by preventing or reducing the amount of respiratory particles you inhale (especially if it’s a high quality mask that is well-fitted).

While masks are generally no longer required in schools, wearing a mask is an added layer of prevention and protection against COVID-19 and is strongly encouraged for individuals at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

When is wearing a mask at school still required?

Wearing a face mask is still required for students and school staff in certain circumstances after COVID-19 exposure or symptoms. This includes individuals who:

• Developed symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days and have completed their self-isolation period.
• Have a household member who recently tested positive or that has symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days (and self-isolation, if required, is completed).
• Were identified as a close contact of a case of COVID-19 in the community (outside the home) in the last 10 days.

For a total of 10 days after symptom onset, COVID-19 test, or exposure to the symptomatic or COVID positive individual, these individuals must continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings and avoid participation in activities where mask removal would be necessary (i.e. participating in extra-curricular sports). Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating lunch at school.

School staff working caring for students with symptoms of COVID-19 at school should continue to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, which includes a face mask.

Individuals are required to follow federal travel requirements after returning from international travel, which may include wearing a well-fitted mask in public spaces including school for 14 days after entry into Canada. 

All students and staff that are required to wear a mask are not recommended to use wind instruments or play sports where a mask cannot be worn during the time when masking is required, however, they can remove their mask to eat or drink. 

How many masks to take to school: 

Consider sending at least one spare mask/face covering to school with your child. Schools are required to have masks available for students, as well. We recommend that students wear medical masks, however when they are not available, a three-layer non-medical mask would be sufficient. A face covering can be worn for an entire day, but it should be replaced if wet or soiled. 

How to store masks at school: 

When not in use at school (e.g., while eating), your child should store their face mask in a space away from others. Consider sending your child to school with a storage container or paper bag where they can put their mask and easily take it out again by the ear loops, without touching the fabric of the mask. 

If your child is using reusable face masks, send them with a spare, sealable container or bag for storing their wet or soiled face masks until they get home. Make sure to put used masks/face coverings into the laundry when your child gets home and wash them and their containers before using again. 

Remember to label your child’s face masks with their name, and if age appropriate, also label the top/bottom and front/back to help with putting them on correctly.

Please visit our COVID-19 Vaccines Information page for more information about vaccinations for your school-aged child.

Complete the school screening tool to see whether you or your child can attend school.

Learn more about what to do if you or your child has symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19 (using a rapid antigen test or PCR test) here. A quick summary of this information is found here. 

Washing hands or using hand sanitizer frequently is a key public health practice for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Help your child learn and practice how to wash their hands (PDF) or use hand sanitizer properly. Be a good role model - demonstrate this routine yourself and remind your child to wash their hands when needed.

Watch a video together with your child to help them learn:

• Hand-washing Heroes Video (for younger children)
• Wash your hands, Brother John! (for younger children)
• Wash Those Mitts (for younger children)

It's important for everyone to practice good respiratory etiquette. Teach your child what to do and set a good example. Watch this great video: Reduce the Spread of COVID-19: Hygiene for Kids.

Respiratory etiquette:

• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow
• If available, sneeze into a tissue and promptly throw the tissue into the garbage
• Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after coughing and sneezing

• COVID-19: health and safety measures at schools (Ontario)
• Ontario COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2021-2022) 
• Cleaning and Disinfection in Public Settings (Public Health Ontario)
• Guidance for School Tower Gardens (SWPH)
• COVID-19: Precautions When Working As A Childcare Provider (Public Services Health & Safety Association)