covid 19 virus

Schools & Child Care:
Public Health Information for Families

Last Reviewed/Updated: 12:08 p.m., April 20, 2021

NEW: All publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province are to move to teacher-led remote learning when students return from the April break on April 19, 2021. Private schools operating in-person this week are to transition to remote learning by April 15, 2021.  Click here to learn more. For information on the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) click here. 

Child care for non-school aged children will remain open, before and after school programs will be closed and free emergency child care for the school-aged children of eligible health care and frontline workers will be provided. Families can indicate they are an essential worker and register for emergency child care at OneHSN.com/Peterborough

As of 12:01 a.m. on April 8, 2021, A province-wide declaration of emergency and a stay-at-home order are in effect. Click here to learn more. 

NEW Screening Requirements: Everyone in your household must stay home if anyone has COVID-19 symptoms or is waiting for test results after experiencing symptoms. Stay home until the person with symptoms gets a negative COVID-19 test result, is cleared by public health, or is diagnosed with another illness. You must screen for COVID-19 every day before going to school/child care.

If your child has any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they are ill, they should not attend school/childcare. Follow these instructions if your child does not pass the screening tool: COVID Protocol – My Child Not Pass Screening and COVID Protocol -Student Return to School or Child Care or COVID Protocol – Staff _Visitor Return To School

 

Click to learn more about…

Schools
Child Care
Questions & Answers
Additional Information
Peterborough Public Health’s Role
School Board’s Role
Public Health Measures
Reopening Guidance Documents
School Boards and Covid-19
Other COVID-19 Resources for Children

For Schools:

All publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province are to move to teacher-led remote learning when students return from the April break on April 19, 2021. Private schools operating in-person this week are to transition to remote learning by April 15, 2021.  Click here to learn more. For information on the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) click here.

To ensure schools remain safe, the government introduced the following enhanced measures:

  • Mandatory masking for students in Grades 1 – 3. Therefore, all students in Grade 1 -12 are required to wear a mask. This also applies to before and after school programs, as well as on student transportation. Masks will be highly recommended, but not mandatory, for Kindergarten students. Reasonable exceptions on the requirement to wear masks will apply.
  • Mandatory masking for students (Grade 1 – 12) and staff outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Effective February 10, secondary students are required to provide daily confirmation/proof of having completed the daily self-screen prior to or upon arrival to school.
  • Effective January 25, all staff are required to provide daily confirmation/proof of having completed the daily self-screen prior to or upon arrival to school.
  • Effective January 25, any visitors to a school are required to complete and provide daily confirmation/proof that they have self-screened and to wear a medical mask while on school premises.

For specific questions about returning to school please be sure to check your child’s school board website:

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For Child Care:

Child care will remain open for the duration of the Provincewide Shutdown period. This includes child care offered in licensed centres, in home-based settings (licensed and unlicensed) and by authorized recreation and skill-building providers.

  • During the period where elementary schools are operating virtually, licensed child care centres and authorized recreation and skill-building providers will be prohibited from serving school-aged children. All before and after school programs are being closed during this period.

Additional measures will be implemented, effective immediately, for child care including:

  • Mandatory masking for all children in Grades 1 and up while inside a licensed child care setting, including in hallways; all younger children (aged 2 years to SK) are encouraged but not required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while inside a child care setting, including in hallways.
  • Mandatory masking for all children in Grades 1 and above and staff outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained. All younger children (aged 2 years to SK) are also encouraged to do this, but it is not required.
  • Effective January 25, child care staff, before and after school providers, visitors and students completing post-secondary placements are required to complete and provide daily confirmation/proof that they have self-screened.
  • Parents and guardians continue to be responsible for screening their children for symptoms of illness every day using the provincial COVID-19 school and childcare screening tool.

Webinar: Keeping Schools Safe During COVID19 – October 26, 2020 

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is working closely with local school boards and surrounding local public health units to implement provincial standards and guidance to support the safe reopening of schools. Keeping COVID-19 transmission low at the community level will be key to preventing the introduction of the virus into schools.  The primary goal is to make the return to school as safe as possible, balancing the risk of COVID-19 transmission with reducing other harms to the well-being of students, families and staff.

For specific questions about returning to school please be sure to refer to the Guide to Reopening Ontario Schools website and your child’s school board FAQ website:

For information about how schools and public health will deal with students/staff who become ill, visit the Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools document.

Visit Ontario’s dedicated webpage to learn about coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Ontario schools and what happens if an outbreak is confirmed at your school or daycare. Data is updated every weekday at 10:30 a.m.

You must screen your child for symptoms every day before they come to school/child care. You can use the Ministry of Health’s Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment tool for this purpose. If your child has any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they are ill, they should not attend school/child care. Follow these instructions if your child does not pass the screening tool: COVID Protocol – My Child Not Pass Screening and COVID Protocol -Student Return to School or Child Care or COVID Protocol – Staff _Visitor Return To School

My Child was Tested for COVID-19… Now What? Follow-up instructions for children and household members who were tested for COVID-19

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Questions & Answers

  1. What can I do to make sure my child stays as safe as possible when they return to school?
  2. What about children of parents who have to travel internationally for work, such as long-haul truckers and airline pilots?
  3. Does the self-screening need to be done daily?
  4. What if my child does not pass the COVID-19 screening?
  5. Will my child have to physically distance at school?
  6. Who is required to wear a face covering at school?
  7. Why face coverings are not required for Kindergarten students?
  8. Are neck gaiters or buffs a safe face covering?
  9. Are school staff required to wear masks and face shields?
  10. My child was tested for COVID-19… now what?
  11. What if my child shows symptoms at school?
  12. If there is knowledge of a known illness as determined by a physician, ie. allergies. Can my child still go to school?
  13. Is it be mandatory for my child to get a COVID-19 test if they have a COVID-19 symptoms?
  14. If my child has symptoms and gets tested for COVID-19, how long will results take?
  15. If my child gets tested for COVID-19, do they have to wait for results to go back to school even if they feel fine again before results come back?
  16. If my child tests negative for COVID-19  how long do they wait until going back to school?
  17. What if there is a positive COVID-19 case at school?
  18. What is considered an outbreak at school?
  19. Does my child need to have a negative COVID-19 test result or a doctor’s note in order to return to school after recovering from COVID-19?
  20. What if a parent/guardian tests positive for COVID-19?
  21. What about eating and drinking at school?
  22. What public health measures will there be on buses?
  23. What if my child attends private school or I home school?
  24. What mental health supports are there?
  25. What can my family do to protect ourselves from COVID-19?
  26. Where can I find more information?
  27. Why are schools opening? Is it safe?
  28. What new measures are in place to ensure students are safe?
  29. Will schools move back to virtual if case numbers increase again?
  30. Why can kids go back to school but can’t have close family/friends over?
  31. Can my child socialize with others in their cohort after school? How would this be different form them chatting on the bus or in class, walking home together?
  32. How are gym classes/physical activity being supported?
  33. Will there be masks provided for my children at school if I can’t afford one or don’t already have one for them?
  34. My child did not pass the screening tool, does everyone in the house have to stay home?

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Additional Information

Reopening Guidance Documents
School Boards and COVID-19
Other COVID-19 Resources for Children
KFL&A Video: What’s the difference between people gathering and students in a classroom?

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Peterborough Public Health’s Role

  • Support School Boards in their reopening plans and provide public health information to support the implementation of provincial standards and guidance to help ensure healthy school environments
  • Provide infection prevention and control advice for both in-school and transportation scenarios.
  • Investigate and manage COVID-19 cases and outbreaks, including providing guidance to schools on confirming and controlling outbreaks.
  • Support testing as required and surveillance of the school population.
  • Provide ongoing support through dedicated Public Health School Nurses who can assist in responding to school specific inquiries and support schools in a comprehensive way. This may include regular consultation and visits to the schools as required.
  • Provide age-appropriate resources on COVID-19.
  • Continue to offer comprehensive school health programming such as immunization, student nutrition, physical literacy, substance prevention and other public health screening/programming to keep students healthy

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School Board’s Role

  • Develop and implement reopening plans following guidelines and recommendations from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Peterborough Public Health (PPH).
  • Communicate with the school community about COVID-19 prevention measures and how cases and outbreaks will be handled, in collaboration with PPH, prior to the start of school and ongoing throughout the year.
  • Support PPH, and other stakeholders as appropriate, with the investigation of cases, contacts, and outbreaks.
  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date attendance and contact information of staff and students, which can be accessed in a timely manner for investigations and communications.
  • Facilitate training of school staff with respect to outbreak prevention and control measures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Public Health Measures

Public health measures to help reduce risks of COVID-19 infection transmission include students and staff members staying home when sick or feeling unwell, frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing before and after entering the school and classrooms, increased cleaning of surfaces at schools and on buses, avoiding sharing personal items, maintaining a physical distance of two metres from others  and keeping students in cohorts (groups). The guide to reopening Ontario schools has more details on these and other strategies, informed by public health advice and jurisdictional research, to ensure schools are healthy and safe learning environments for students and staff.

Here are some important key messages for parents and guardians to review with their child before schools starts:

  • All students and staff members must self-screen at home each day before coming to school. Any person who is displaying any of the symptoms listed in the self-assessment, such as a fever, will need to remain at home.
  • Everyone must stay at home when they are sick or feel unwell, even when symptoms are mild. Staying home helps prevent the spread of illness to others.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer  to clean away germs.
  • Students in Grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be encouraged but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.
  • Ensure that personal belongings are clearly labeled (e.g. masks, water bottles, lunch containers), and do not share food with other students and staff.
  • Practice ‘no touch’ greetings with your friends and teachers at school. Let’s share a wave and not our germs.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm, not your hands! Throw the tissue away, and wash your hands right away.
  • If you don’t feel well, tell someone.
  • Avoid touching your face. Germs easily spread from your hands to your mask or face.
  • Bring your own water bottle from home to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • When not wearing a mask, physical distancing is especially important to keep you and the friends around you healthy.
  • Make sure your immunizations are all up to date.

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Reopening Guidance Documents

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School Boards and Covid-19

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland & Clarington Catholic District School Board

Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir

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Other COVID-19 Resources for Children

Check out these kid-friendly resources to help prepare for back to school:

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Questions & Answers

1. What can I do to make sure my child stays as safe as possible when they return to school?

It is important to remember that school staff are working hard to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the school. As a parent, you can help keep your child safe by practicing health behaviours at home before school starts. This includes wearing a mask when out in public, playing with friends from a distance, regular hand washing, and avoiding touching their face. These are behaviours that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Starting them now will help your child become familiar with them by the time school starts.

When school begins, send your child with safety supplies like a mask and hand sanitizer. As a parent you must also complete the self-assessment tool daily and keep your child home if they feel ill. Try to maintain 2 metres distancing from people not in your household.

More tips on how to prepare your child for attending school:  Preventing COVID-19: Tips for Children Attending School

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2. What about children of parents who have to travel internationally for work, such as long-haul truckers and airline pilots?

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 the Quarantine Act.  Exemptions are reviewed at the border by a border services officer and do not apply to anyone who has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (those individuals, if ill, would not be granted access back in to Canada).

Their 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 and who have been exempted from the Quarantine Act may attend school as long as their parents are healthy and have no symptoms of COVID-19.

More information on essential workers who are exempt from mandatory quarantine is available from the Government of Canada, here: www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/crtcl-nfrstrctr/esf-sfe-en.aspx

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3. Does the self-screening need to be done daily?

Yes, you must screen your child for symptoms every day before they go to school. 

Students, staff, and visitors must screen for COVID-19 symptoms daily before going to school. Complete the screening here

Printable versions of the screening tool are also available:

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4. What if my child does not pass the COVID-19 screening?

Follow these instructions if your child does not pass the screening tool: COVID Protocol – My Child Not Pass Screening and COVID Protocol -Student Return to School or Child Care

If your child does not pass the screening tool, your child should not attend school and follow the directions provided which may include monitoring symptoms or visiting a COVID-19 assessment centre for testing and/or seek medical advice, if required.

PRHC Assessment Centre offers testing seven days per week for residents with symptoms.  To book an appointment call 705-876-5086. For more information visit PPH’s COVID Testing webpage.

The testing centre at Northcrest Arena (100 Marina Boulevard, Peterborough) provides COVID-19 testing (no doctor assessment) for eligible individuals BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Use this link to book an appointment. 

5. Will my child have to physically distance at school?

Cohorting means keeping students together in a group throughout the school day, with limited exposure to multiple teachers or a wide variety of classmates. Physical distancing of 2 meters should be promoted as much as possible in each cohort at all times. Cohorts need to physically distance from other cohorts.

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6. Who is required to wear a face covering at school?

NEW: Students in Grades 1 to 12 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes.  Students (Grade 1 – 12) and staff will be required to wear a mask outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Students in Kindergarten (JK & SK) will be encouraged but not required to wear masks in indoor /outdoor spaces.

Students are encouraged to practice wearing masks and learn what type of mask is most comfortable for them. Students may wear their own non-medical masks, and non-medical masks will also be made available for students. Reasonable exceptions on the requirement to wear masks will apply. If you have any concerns, please speak with your school principal.

All school-based staff will be required to wear masks, with reasonable exceptions for medical conditions. Medical masks and eye protection (i.e. face shield) will be provided for all teachers and other staff of school boards.  School-based staff who are regularly in close contact with students will be provided with all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

For more information on face coverings:

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7. Why face coverings are not required for Kindergarten students?

Face coverings for students in JK/SK is not required but strongly recommended as outlined in the SickKids Guidance document. As well, facial covering use for younger children can be a challenge due to difficulties with proper fit and compliance. Younger children may not be able to avoid touching their mask, which may increase risk of COVID-19. It is recommended that these students be encouraged to wear facial coverings and follow other public health strategies that mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19, such as cohorting, covering coughs and sneezes and hand hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission.

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8. Are neck gaiters or buffs a safe face covering?

No, neck gaiters or buffs are not considered to be a safe type of face covering due to the limited evidence regarding their effectiveness. Additionally, the type of fabric/material used to produce the neck gaiter may render it to be ineffective. A proper face covering should have 2 or more layers of breathable fabric and have a snug fit around your mouth, nose, and chin with no gaps.

What you need to know about face coverings infographic

9. Are school staff required to wear masks and face shields?

The Ministry of Education has directed that all staff in a school are required to wear medical masks while inside the school, including in hallways. Staff are also required to wear a mask while outside if physical distancing cannot be maintained. PPH also recommends the wearing of eye protection (e.g. face shield) in addition to medical masks; it provides additional protection for staff, and it lessens the likelihood of a staff member needing to be off work in the event of exposure to a COVID-19 case. Reasonable exceptions to the requirement to wear masks will be put in place by school administrators.

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10. My child was tested for COVID-19… now what?

Follow-up instructions for children and household members who were tested for COVID-19.

*All household members must quarantine while awaiting test results. Once the person with symptoms receives a negative COVID-19 test result, household members may return to work/school/childcare. If the test result is positive, all household members must quarantine for 14 days from last exposure/contact with individual who tested positive. 

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11. What if my child shows symptoms at school?

Parents/guardians will be asked to pick up the child from school immediately. The student will be isolated in a separate room or kept at least two metres away from others.  If a student requires supervision or assistance a staff member will wear PPE and remain with them until they can be picked up. Kits with sanitizer, masks and other personal protective equipment will be provided for anyone who becomes ill at school, for use by the ill individual and the staff member attending to them.  Parents/guardians should ensure the school has their most up-to-date contact information.

Prior to returning to school, you must complete the online screening tool and follow these instructions if your child does not pass the screening tool: COVID Protocol – My Child Not Pass Screening and COVID Protocol -Student Return to School or Child Care

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12. If there is knowledge of a known illness as determined by a physician, ie. allergies, can my child still go to school?

 A COVID-19 test is indicated for new or worsening symptoms. If a child presents with symptoms that are consistent with a known illness, testing would not be indicated. If your child received an alternate diagnosis from their primary health care provider (i.e. it is not believed to be COVID-19), your child may return to school or child care once it has been at least 24 hours since symptoms started improving.

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13. Is it be mandatory for my child to get a COVID-19 test if they have a COVID-19 symptoms?

Follow these instructions if your child has symptoms: COVID Protocol – My Child Not Pass Screening and COVID Protocol -Student Return to School or Child Care

If your child does not pass the screening tool, your child should not attend school and should visit a COVID-19 assessment centre for testing and/or seek medical advice, if required.

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14. If my child gets tested for COVID-19, how long will results take?

This will depend on the capacity of the labs and how many tests they receive. Generally, results are back within 24-48 hours after the specimen arrives at the lab, however may take up to 2-6 business days, depending on capacity.

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15. If my child gets tested for COVID-19, do they have to wait for results to go back to school even if they feel fine again before results come back?

Yes, while an individual suspected to have COVID-19 is waiting for test results they must be in isolation and cannot attend school in person. The individual can attend school virtually if they feel well enough to participate. Where a student or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, PPH will be in contact to provide further direction on returning to school.

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16. If my child tests negative for COVID-19 , when can they go back to school?

If your child was tested for COVID-19 they are required to self-isolate until test results are available.

If the test results are negative, your child may return to school or child care if all three of the following criteria are true:
1) They do not have a fever (without taking medication), AND
2) It has been at least 24 hours since symptoms started improving, AND
3) They have not been in close physical contact with a person who currently has COVID-19.

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17. What if there is a positive COVID-19 case at school?

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by Public Health and advised on next steps.

Students/staff who test positive for COVID-19 will remain in isolation until three conditions have been met:
1) Their follow-up with public health is complete and they have isolated for a minimum of 10 days after the onset of symptoms AND
2) They no longer have a fever AND
3) Their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours
*Students or staff do not need clearance testing or medical notes to return to school or child care.

Public Health will conduct contact tracing and identify and follow up with all close contacts. To help with contact tracing, the school will provide Public Health with records including attendance, seating charts, bus cohorts, and any approved visitors to the school, including supply/occasional teachers or custodians.

Classroom cohorts (students and staff affiliated with the cohort) will generally be considered at high risk of exposure. All students and staff determined to be close contacts will receive recommendations on self-isolation and testing. A negative test result of a close contact of a case does not shorten their isolation period.

If someone from a school setting tests positive for COVID-19 and your child is not deemed to be a close contact, you do not need to have your child tested or keep them home.

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18. What is considered an outbreak at school?

An outbreak in a school is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in students and/or staff in a school with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school (including transportation and/or before and after school care).

The local public health unit (PHU) will work with the school to determine epidemiological links (e.g., cases in the same class, cases that are part of the same before/after school care cohort, cases that have assigned bus seats in close proximity to each other). The PHU will determine which cohorts are high risk contacts requiring isolation and testing.

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19. Does my child need to have a negative COVID-19 test result or a doctor’s note in order to return to school after recovering from COVID-19?

A child recovering from COVID19 may return to school as soon as they are discharged by a Public Health Nurse. A negative COVID19 test is not recommended for clearance.

Students/staff who test positive for COVID-19 will remain in isolation until three conditions have been met:
1) Their follow-up with public health is complete and they have isolated for a minimum of 10 days after the onset of symptoms AND
2) They no longer have a fever AND
3) Their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours
*Students or staff do not need clearance testing or medical notes to return to school or child care.

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20. What if a parent/guardian tests positive for COVID-19?

If a parent receives a positive test for COVID-19, they are not obligated to inform the school of their test result. However, it is strongly recommended. Children in a household where a parent or other member has tested positive should stay home and isolate as per public health guidance.

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21. What about eating and drinking at school?

Students should pack a lunch and a reusable water bottle each day. Water bottles will need to be filled rather than students drinking directly from the mouthpiece of water fountains. Students are encouraged to eat lunch in their classroom with their cohort, to reduce contact with students from other cohorts.  Students are not allowed to share food or drinks. If weather permits, lunch breaks may be held outside. More information on packing healthy and safe lunches can be found  HERE

All personal items brought to school should be labelled.

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22. What public health measures will there be on buses?

Active forms of travel (for example, walking and cycling) and private transportation by parents and caregivers, are encouraged where possible, to ease pressure on transportation demand.

To support return to school 5 days a week, school boards may be required to increase the utilization of buses beyond one student per seat and operate closer to capacity. To the extent that physical distancing may not be possible, the use of non-medical masks for students in Grades 4 to 12 will be required on school vehicles. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be encouraged but not required to wear masks on student transportation. Exceptions should be made for students with medical conditions or special needs that prevent masking. Students who live in the same household or are in the same classroom cohort will be seated together.

Other public health measures will include enhanced cleaning of high touch surfaces (for example, handrails and seatbacks) at least twice daily, and using loading/unloading procedures that support two metres physical distancing between students when possible.

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23. What if my child attends a private school or I home school?

Private Schools and Home schools are not regulated under the same guidance as publicly funded schools. However they are encouraged to follow the same guidelines. If you have questions please contact us at 705-743-1000 or email covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

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24. What mental health supports are there?

Mental health and well-being are core elements of the school reopening plan. Find evidence-based information and resources relevant to your role at School Mental Health Ontario. Also visit PPH’s COVID-19 Positive Parenting Resources

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25. What can my family do to protect ourselves from COVID-19?

Here are a few things that you and your family can do:

  • wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • avoid contact with people who are sick
  • stay home and isolate if you or anyone in your household is sick

For more information on COVID-19 please visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

26. Where can I find more information?

For specific questions about returning to school please be sure to refer to the Guide to Reopening Ontario Schools website and your child’s school board FAQ website:

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27. Why are schools opening? Is it safe?

Schools have enhanced infection prevention and control protocols in place that have proven to be very effective so far. Incidents of infection have been low and those that have occurred were contained quickly. Being in class is very important to support equitable and quality education for children and also benefits mental health and wellbeing for students and families. Community spread and test positivity rates will be constantly monitored for any changes that would impact schools remaining open.

28. What new measures are in place to ensure students are safe?

The following new health and safety measures were introduced to further support protect students province-wide:

Mandatory masking for students in Grades 1 – 3. Therefore, all students in Grade 1 -12 are required to wear a mask. This also applies to before and after school programs, as well as on student transportation. Masks will be highly recommended, but not mandatory, for Kindergarten students. Reasonable exceptions on the requirement to wear masks will apply.

Mandatory masking for students (Grade 1 – 12) and staff outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Effective February 10, secondary students are required to provide daily confirmation/proof of having completed the daily self-screen prior to or upon arrival to school.

Effective January 25, all staff are required to provide daily confirmation/proof of having completed the daily self-screen prior to or upon arrival to school.

Effective January 25, any visitors to a school are required to complete and provide daily confirmation/proof that they have self-screened and to wear a medical mask while on school premises.

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29. Will schools move back to virtual if case numbers increase again?

Peterborough Public Health continues to work closely with our District School Boards and neighbouring local public Health Units to ensure that local schools provide safe learning environments.  The safety of students and school staff is a priority. Trends throughout the province and events of community spread will be closely monitored provincially to determine if any changes to the current reopening structure are necessary.

30. Why can kids go back to school but can’t have close family/friends over?

There is a huge difference between not being allowed to have visitors in your home and kids going to school. Visitors in your home would create a close contact setting where COVID-19 could spread easily and quickly. Schools are a setting that is closely monitored with many layers of COVID-19 protective measures in place. At this time the benefits of kids going to school far outweigh the risks. This will be closely monitored and changed if new evidence emerges.

32. Can my child socialize with others in their cohort after school? How would this be different form them chatting on the bus or in class, walking home together?

Contact with others outside of your household should be avoided except for essential reasons even among children within the same school cohort. Students should avoid congregating after school and return home as soon as school is over.

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33. How are gym classes and physical activity being support while in school?

Physical activity remains an important part of the school experience, and there are infection prevention and control protocols in place to insure this can be done safely.  While at school, social distancing and appropriate PPE use are a couple of ways physical activity is supported. The Ministry of Education provides guidance on indoor gym use and other measures that are approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

34. Will there be masks provided for my children at school if I can’t afford one or don’t already have one for them?

Students are to bring their own non-medical masks from home to wear at school. Schools will have extra non-medical masks to provide students who have lost or soiled their masks. Additional non-medical masks are to be made available for students.

35. My child did not pass the screening tool, does everyone in the house have to stay home?

Any child that does not pass the daily screening tool should stay home. Everyone in your household must stay home if anyone has COVID-19 symptoms or is waiting for test results after experiencing symptoms. Stay home until the person with symptoms gets a negative COVID-19 test result, or is cleared by public health, or is diagnosed with another illness. Guidance for more scenarios can be viewed upon completion of the daily tool at: COVID-19 school screening (ontario.ca). 

COVID Protocol – My Child Not Pass Screening and COVID Protocol -Student Return to School or Child Care

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