COVID-19 Resources for Schools and Child Care Centres
COVID-19 Case and Contact Information
Please see the Ministry of Health Management of Case and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario August 31st 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UPDATE: As of October 1, the guidance found on page 25 about international travel is outdated.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 |
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. |
What to do after COVID-19 isolation ends |
For 10 days after COVID-19 symptom onset or positive test result the individual must:
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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:
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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.
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Wearing a face mask
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Testing for COVID-19
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Practicing good hand hygiene
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, a mask, or your elbow