If a parent or household member tests positive for COVID-19, does their child need to self-isolate for 14-days?

If a parent or household member tests positive for COVID-19, that member must self-isolate immediately and notify York Region Public Health. Other household members, including students, will be required to self-isolate for 14-days. Do not send your child to school. To clarify, household contacts and siblings of a close contact, can continue to go to … Continue reading “If a parent or household member tests positive for COVID-19, does their child need to self-isolate for 14-days?”

Are all confirmed cases reported to the school by York Region Public Health even if a parent doesn’t share that information with the school?

Yes, York Region Public Health are notified of all positive test results by testing centers. York Region Public Health receives the notification, investigates the case and if determined that a case is linked to a school, they will notify the school immediately and work with the school and school boards to dismiss cohorts, if necessary, … Continue reading “Are all confirmed cases reported to the school by York Region Public Health even if a parent doesn’t share that information with the school?”

Are students who were identified as close contacts and directed to self-isolate for 14-days required to get tested before returning to school? What if they’re asymptomatic?

When York Region Public Health dismisses a cohort, they advise those individuals to get tested. However, the reality is that not everyone is able to get tested because of numerous reasons, including testing centre capacities. Therefore, it may not be feasible for everyone to get tested before they return to school. That is why Ontario … Continue reading “Are students who were identified as close contacts and directed to self-isolate for 14-days required to get tested before returning to school? What if they’re asymptomatic?”

Why can’t students stay indoors for recess to prevent mixing of cohorts? Why can’t students obtain their breaks through their daily physical activity (DPA) indoors?

YCDSB: DPA happens on days where students don’t have Physical Education class. We have added additional DPAs to try and get students outdoors as much as possible. As mentioned by YRPH, it is great for physical and mental health, get fresh air and do physical activity. We will not restrict recess any further at this … Continue reading “Why can’t students stay indoors for recess to prevent mixing of cohorts? Why can’t students obtain their breaks through their daily physical activity (DPA) indoors?”

What happens if my child has been identified as a close contact and directed to self-isolate for 14-days as a result, but was tested negative? Can they go to school or do they have to complete their 14-day self-isolation?

The individual is still required to self-isolate for the full 14-days because in some instances where an individual is tested early in their incubation period, tests might not detect the virus at that early stage and the individual may still become infected. Therefore, individuals must continue to self-isolate for the full 14-days.