Changes to the COVID-19 school screening tool
As part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to strengthen health and safety measures and update guidance to reflect provincial trends and transmission risks, the government has made the following changes to the COVID-19 school screening criteria:
Staff or students with any new or worsening symptom of COVID-19, as indicated in the Ministry of Health’s Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment tool, even those with only one symptom, must stay home until:
- They receive a negative COVID-19 test result.
- They receive an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional.
OR - It has been 10 days since their symptom onset and they are feeling better.
All Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) students and staff are required to screen for COVID-19 symptoms every morning before coming to school using the Ministry of Health’s Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment tool.
Asymptomatic targeted testing
The Ministry of Education also announced plans to expand targeted COVID-19 testing for staff and students in all school boards across the province.
TLDSB is pleased to be able to facilitate voluntary targeted COVID-19 testing in partnership with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit; and the Ministry of Education.
In addition to daily screening, masking, and the other health and safety measures, targeted testing in schools is an important layer of protection that helps to limit the spread of COVID-19. Targeted testing will help ensure that our schools remain a safe environment for all to learn and work in.
It is important to note that targeted COVID-19 testing is voluntary for asymptomatic students and staff. Consent will be required from parents/guardians of students under 18 years old.
Further information and instructions will be shared with TLDSB families once school sites and dates have been established.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your school principal. All COVID-19 information and updates can be found at tldsb.ca/covid19/.
