School and child care (COVID-19)

What should I do if my student has symptoms of illness?

Anyone who is feeling sick or has any new or worsening symptoms of illness should stay home when sick and seek assessment from their regular health care provider if required. 

Staying home when sick means: 

• Stay home and self-isolate until they have no fever and symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)

For 10 days following symptom onset or positive test (whichever is earlier or applicable) they should follow these additional precautions:

• Wear a well fitted mask in all public settings (including school or child care) unless under two years of age or unable to mask.
• Avoid activities where they need to take off their mask (for example, playing a wind instrument in music class or removing the mask for sports).
• Do not visit anyone who may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors or people who are immunocompromised).
• Do not visit or attend work in any highest risk settings. School is not considered a high risk setting.

Follow instructions outlined in the Student with symptoms of illness letter - KFL&A Public Health

What should household and close contacts do?

If you live with or have had close contact with someone who has symptoms of any infectious respiratory illness, or has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended that you take these additional precautions for 10 days from your last exposure:

• Monitor closely for any symptoms of illness.
• Wear a well fitted mask in all public settings (including school or child care) unless under two years of age or unable to mask.
• Avoid activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, playing a wind instrument in music class or removing the mask for sports).
• Do not visit anyone who may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors or people who are immunocompromised).
• Do not visit or attend work in any highest risk settings. School is not considered a high risk setting.
• If any new or worsening symptoms appear, stay home and self-isolate.

What health and safety measures remain in place?

Students should:

• Self-screen everyday before attending school and stay home if they are feeling sick.
• Sanitize hands before entering school and classrooms.
• Wash or sanitize hands several times throughout the day.
• Cover coughs and sneezes properly.
• Tell staff if they are feeling sick at school.
• Wear a well-fitted mask at school and on the school bus after they have recovered from illness (for 10 days from the start of symptoms).
• Wear a well-fitted mask at school and on the school bus for 10 days (from last exposure) if they live with or have had close contact with someone who has symptoms of any infectious respiratory illness, or has tested positive for COVID-19.

Schools will:

• Continue with enhanced cleaning and disinfection of schools and school vehicles.
• Have high-quality masks for students and staff who choose to use them.
• Continue to implement ventilation best practice measures.
• Have mental health services and supports available for students.
• Continue to monitor absence rates and work with Public Health should illness rates exceed what the school would typically experience.

Face coverings:

• Generally, face coverings and masks are no longer required in school or on student transportation. Some students may choose to wear a mask.

When masks should be worn:

• Following self isolation
  • Students returning to school should wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including schools and child care) and avoid activities where they would need to take off their mask until 10 days after their symptoms started or from positive COVID-19 test date.
• When you're a household or close contact
  • You should wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including schools and child care) for 10 days from your last exposure to the person with symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result.
• Under federal travel requirements.

Resources to support students transitioning back to school and beyond

• School Mental Health Backpack - Children's Mental Health Ontario
• Back to School Tips for Parents - Children's Mental Health Ontario
• How to Support a Mentally Healthy Back to School for Your Child - School Mental Health Ontario
• COVID-19: Resources to Build Resilience - Psychology Canada
• Coping with Isolating During COVID-19 - KFL&A Public Health

What is the proper hand washing technique?

• Talk about and practice proper hand washing techniques at home, especially before and after eating, and after sneezing and coughing. Make hand washing fun by singing a song that lasts at least 20 seconds and explain to your child why hand washing is important.

How to wash your hands

1. Wet your hands.
2. Apply soap.
3. Make bubbles by rubbing your hands together for 15 to 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well.
5. Dry your hands with paper towel or hand dryer.
6. Turn taps off with paper towel or your elbow.

How can families help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Families can take an active role in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Staying home when you're sick.
• Getting all recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
• Actively monitoring your household for symptoms.
• Communicating absences with the student’s school. 
• Following public health guidance, understanding that it may change depending on transmission in our community or other factors.