COVID-19 Resources for Educators
A provincewide shutdown is in effect as of Saturday, April 3 at 12:01 a.m. The public health measures in O. Reg 82/20 (français) under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 apply. Learn more about the shutdown measures (francais).
As of Thursday, April 8 at 12:01 a.m., a Stay-at-Home Order (francais) is in effect for all of Ontario. The order requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated, for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
General resources
How to teach about precautions - handwashing and face coverings |
Lesson plans
VideosKindergarten or PrimarySesame Street: Washy Wash Song | How to Wash Your Hands – Sesame Street
Wash Your Hands with baby Shark
For Kids: Why Do I Have To Wear a Face Mask? – BayCare
Primary or JuniorProper Hand Washing Techniques – San Angelo ISD
20 Second Hand Washing - The Science behind it and why it WORKS! – Kid Explorer
Do’s and Don’ts for Wearing Face Masks – San Angelo ISD
Junior or IntermediateHow To Wear A Mask In School – Tech-nic-Allie Speaking
How does soap work to fight coronavirus? Why wash your hands for 20 seconds? – CBS 8 San Diego
Secondary students and AdultsHow to Safely Use Reusable Cloth Masks and Face Coverings– Eastern Ontario Health Unit (French)
How to Use a Disposable Mask or Face Covering – Eastern Ontario Health Unit (French)
Which is better: Soap or hand sanitizer? - Alex Rosenthal and Pall Thordarson – TED-Ed
Tips for using a cloth mask from KHSC – Kingston Health Sciences Centre
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Daily recommendations |
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Tools and protocols
Screening tool |
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Follow-up instructions |
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School board protocols |
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Frequently asked questions for return to school
PPE and face coverings
Are staff required to wear masks at all times while in the school building? What about when they are outside? |
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Staff must wear medical masks during school operating hours, while in the building, except while eating or drinking. Staff should don their masks immediately after eating or drinking. Staff should take care to maintain 2 metres (6 feet) of physical distance from other staff or students while masks are removed for eating or drinking. Staff can remove their masks outdoors if they are maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet). Droplets can travel further when yelling or singing. |
What is the difference between medical masks and face coverings? Why are school staff required to wear medical masks? |
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The two different types of medical masks you may have heard of or seen used, are N95 respirators and surgical or procedure masks. The type of masks that have been provided for staff to wear at school are surgical or procedure medical masks. N95 masks are not required to be worn in childcare or school settings. N95 masks require fit testing in order to be effective. N95 masks are required in health care settings where aerosol generating medical procedures are performed and there is a higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19. School boards are supplying medical masks to staff and requiring them to be worn in school because their quality can be measured. Medical masks are designed to protect the wearer from others, in addition to preventing the wearer from spreading their germs. Wearing medical masks properly can help prevent staff from getting sick. If eye protection is used in addition to the mask, individual risk can further be reduced. This is why medical masks are mandatory at all times, and eye protection is strongly encouraged anytime staff may be within 2 metres (6 feet) of a student. Students are required to wear face coverings, which means a medical mask or a non-medical mask, such as a cloth mask that has been purchased or made, that covers the mouth, nose and chin ensuring a barrier that limits the transmission of infectious respiratory droplets. This type of mask is an added way to protect others, particularly where physical distancing may be challenging. Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering will protect others by stopping infectious droplets at the source (talking, shouting, singing, etc). Masks with a ventilation valve should not be used because it allows droplets to escape. |
Can staff wear face shields instead of a face covering? |
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Face shields alone do not provide enough protection. Medical masks and eye protection (i.e., face shields or goggles) are provided for all school staff. All school-based staff are required to wear medical masks with reasonable exemptions for medical conditions. Face shields or goggles should be worn in addition to the medical mask when 2 metres (6 feet) of distance cannot be maintained. |
How do you clean face shields? |
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Single use face shields should not be cleaned. Dispose after use. For multi-use face shields, please consult the manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions. If no manufacturer instructions are available, disinfectant wipes provided by the school board are acceptable as long as label instructions are followed. However, if the shield is visibly soiled then soap and water must be used first. |
How do staff ensure they can provide accessible instruction to students who use facial expression to communicate and understand others? |
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Staff and students can consider using face coverings with clear windows. A face shield alone does not provide enough protection compared to a face covering with a clear window. Transparent Face Masks have been added to Health Canada’s list of Authorized Medical Devices for uses related to COVID-19. |
What is the proper way to store a face covering? |
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Medical masks can be stored in a clean paper bag or container while temporarily removed (e.g., while eating). These masks are disposable and should be thrown out at the end of the day. If the mask becomes soiled or damp, it should be put in the garbage and replaced by a new mask, as it would no longer be as effective. Cloth face coverings (that students may be wearing) should be stored in a clean place (for example, a closed paper bag or container with a lid) and washed after every day of use, or sooner, if visibly soiled or damp. Staff members may wear cloth masks while in the community, but must wear medical masks at school. The goal is to keep the mask clean while it is not being worn. Masks should be covered, so droplets from others can not land on the clean inside of the mask (while others have their masks off to eat, for example).
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Can students use face coverings that pull up over the nose from around the neck (such as a neck gaiter) instead of cloth masks? |
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Neck gators are not recommended because they are usually only made with a single layer of fabric. According to recent guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada, it is recommended that face coverings are 3 layers which includes a middle, filter layer. If making or buying more masks or face coverings, consider the 3-layer mask for improved protection. Face coverings should be made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven cotton, therefore 2-layer masks can still be used. Students wearing cloth face coverings of any style should be encouraged to change to a new one if it becomes dirty or wet. When masks are soiled, they are not as effective. They are also harder to breathe through and can increase skin irritation as well. Cloth face coverings should be cleaned frequently in hot soapy water and allowed to dry completely. |
Cleaning and disinfection
How often should surfaces be cleaned and disinfected? |
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Since high-touch surfaces are most likely to be contaminated, these should be cleaned and disinfected twice during the day. At a minimum, at the end of each day, when visibly dirty, and between cohorts. Examples of frequently touched surfaces include doorknobs, handles, locks, light switches, phones, individual desk surfaces, touch screen surfaces, faucets, sinks, and toilet handles. Disinfecting after cleaning will kill most of the germs that were left behind. Current cleaning and disinfecting methods used by schools are effective against COVID-19. Only use disinfectants with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and labelled as a broad-spectrum viricide. Low-level hospital grade disinfectants may be used. Check expiry dates and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Particular attention should be paid to contact time, dilution, material compatibility, shelf-life, storage, first aid, and PPE for person cleaning.
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How often do kitchen appliances in the staff room need to be cleaned and disinfected? |
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Shared appliances in the staff room are considered high-touch surfaces and should be cleaned and disinfected twice daily. Staff should practise hand hygiene before and after use of appliances. Cleaning supplies should be available for those who wish to clean before or after use. |
Does the gym floor need to be cleaned between classes? |
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No, but it should be cleaned regularly and when visibly dirty. Students should practise proper hand hygiene before and after doing physical activity in the gym. Sanitizer should be accessible at entrances and exits to the gym. |
What is the required frequency and method for the cleaning and disinfecting of shared equipment (e.g., art supplies, recess toys, sports equipment, shop tools, books, tablets)? |
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Use of shared objects should be limited, where possible. Shared items are to be cleaned with soap and water when visibly dirty, and disinfected at the end of each day and between each use. It is recommended to wait to use books and other materials that cannot be disinfected for 72 hours. |
If a parent or staff member has a complaint about a school's infection control protocol, who should they contact? |
| Concerns should be discussed with your school principal. |
Shared spaces and items
Can headsets be shared between teachers? |
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Teachers should not share headsets. Headsets are used on the head and neck, near areas of high-risk transmission (mouth, nose, eyes). Therefore, the recommendation is that each teacher have their own headset. |
What are the physical distancing requirements in shared spaces (i.e., staff rooms, teacher work rooms, gym, or library)? |
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At least 2 metres (6 feet) should always be maintained between people from different cohorts (including staff). Be sure to consider how furniture or room layout might affect capacity (e.g., the bathroom may technically have enough space for 6 individuals but if there are only 3 stalls and 2 sinks, capacity should be lowered). Signs showing maximum capacity should be clearly displayed outside of shared spaces in areas that do not affect operations (e.g., staff lunch room). |
Can the gym be used on inclement weather days for playing, and if so, what are the rules for classes etc.? |
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Yes, the gym can be used during inclement weather days. The same control measures apply in the gym as they do in the classroom and outdoors. Cohorts must be able to maintain a two-metre distance from each other, students must wear masks if tolerated, students should clean their hands before and after play, and equipment and toys should be cleaned and disinfected between cohorts. |
Can multiple cohorts use the playground equipment in the same day? |
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Yes, multiple cohorts can access the play structure in one day; however, only one cohort is permitted to be on the play structure at a time. Students would be expected to practise proper hand hygiene before and after using the playground equipment. |
When working outside, is it acceptable for students to work together closer than 1 metre if they are wearing face coverings? |
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It is recommended that staff and students physically distance as much as possible when working together, even when outdoors. As much as possible school projects should be designed to allow for students to physically distance from each other. Wearing a mask or face covering (indoors or outdoors) does not mean that physical distance is not required. Face coverings, physical distance, and being outdoors are each an added layer of protection that will help decrease the chance of spreading the virus. |
Can students use lockers or bring materials into class? |
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Lockers may be used as long as students continue to physically distance as much as possible. This may require student education, scheduled times, supervision or other appropriate measures which support physical distancing measures. Individual school boards and schools may implement their own policies regarding locker use. Equipment and supplies brought to school by student can be brought into class for own use (e.g., pencils, school books). Personal items being brought to school (e.g., backpack, clothing, sun protection, water bottles, food) should be labeled and stored separately in designated areas. |
Working with multiple cohorts or students
What precautions do EAs and other staff need to put in place for one-on-one student support? |
| Any time a staff member is within 2 metres (6 feet) of a student, they should be wearing eye protection, in addition to their medical mask. Frequent hand hygiene is needed, especially when there is direct contact with a student. |
How can staff working in multiple classrooms, or multiple schools ensure they are not increasing their risk? |
| A staff member who works in multiple cohorts will not increase the risk to themselves or their students if current recommendations for COVID-19 prevention are properly followed. Best practice is to maintain 2 metres (6 feet) of distance from others, whenever possible. When distance cannot be maintained, eye protection for the staff should be worn, in addition to a medical mask. Frequent hand hygiene, especially between cohorts is important. Staff that work in different locations are encouraged to keep track of when and where they are working, to help facilitate contact tracing, if needed. |
Screening and testing
Where can I find the online COVID-19 school screening tool? |
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covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening
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If a student or staff member is awaiting COVID-19 test results, do their household contacts (i.e., siblings or parents) have to self-isolate? |
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Yes, when anyone has 1 or more symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or muscle aches), it is required that all household members isolate until the symptomatic individual receives a negative COVID-19 test result or is provided an alternative diagnosis by a health care provider. If the individual is being tested asymptomatically because they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, household members must follow the advice provided by KFL&A Public Health. |
Can a staff member come to work if someone in their household has been told to self-isolate? |
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If their household member is positive for COVID-19, the staff member is required to self-isolate at home and not come to school, until directed by Public Health. If their household member was exposed to someone with COVID-19, all household members must follow the advice provided by KFL&A Public Health. |
Travel
Do students and staff have to self-isolate for 14 days if they have travelled within Canada? |
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No, isolation is not required for students/staff travelling within Canada. However, students and staff who travel outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days upon return. Anyone who travels should be very diligent about monitoring for symptoms. |
What do you do if a student or staff member has a household contact who has travelled outside of Canada recently? |
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Certain individuals who travel internationally for work – such as airline pilots and long-haul truckers – are exempt from the mandatory quarantine when entering Canada because their work is defined as essential under the order of Quarantine Act. Exemptions are reviewed at the border by a border services officer and do not apply to anyone who has signs of symptoms of COVID-19 (those individuals would not be granted access back into Canada). Children are required to self-isolate only if their parent has travelled outside Canada in the previous 14 days AND is ill with COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, students of parents who travel internationally may attend school, provided their parents are healthy and have no symptoms of COVID-19. |
Resources:
- Cold Weather Tips for Schools - Public Health Ontario
- Guide to reopening Ontario’s schools - Government of Ontario
- Ontario’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment - Government of Ontario
- Ontario's COVID-19 Symptoms - Government of Ontario