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? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
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, and send notifications to the school community.
Are students who tested positive for COVID-19 required to complete another test to prove they are well enough to return to school? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
Students can return to school if they have completed their 14-days of isolation and have no symptoms. Students should conduct a daily self-screening each day before going to 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? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- 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 has implemented the 14-day self-isolation period
- If an individual is symptomatic and has tested positive, they are more likely to spread COVID-19 to others while asymptomatic individuals are not as likely to spread to others
How does the school ensure the safety of students when they come into contact with itinerant teachers such as Physed? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
All health and safety protocols are in place at the school, including maintaining physical distance, wearing PPE and proper hand hygiene.
How long can an individual have COVID-19? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
It may vary for every individual. As mentioned by York Region Public Health, the incubation period is 14-days.
If a parent or household member tests positive for COVID-19, does their child need to self-isolate for 14-days? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
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 school or work.
If a student who takes the bus is tested positive, will other students on the bus be considered a close contact? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- York Region Public Health conducts an investigation into all possible exposures
- Close contacts identified are contacted by York Region Public Health with next steps which may include self-isolation for 14 days
- This applies to students who take the bus
Is York Region Public Health conducting contact tracing? What is the criteria used to determine who should be contacted? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
Yes, York Region Public Health conducts contact tracing.
The criteria is as follows:
- In a school setting, a close contact is defined as a cohort of students in a class with a confirmed case
- Individuals who were less than 2 metres/6 feet apart and were face to face with each other for 10 to 15 minutes or longer
York Region Public Health takes into consideration the events that may have happened outside the school property but reiterates that COVID-19 is less likely to spread outdoors compared to indoors.
York Region Public Health also takes into consideration events that may have happened in the community.
York Region Public Health performs a risk assessment for every investigation.
What are the factors considered by York Region Public Health to determine a school is safe to reopen after it was temporarily closed as a result of an outbreak? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- Throughout this temporary closure period, York Region Public Health continues to monitor if additional cases arise.
- Essentially, the school will hit a reset button following this 14-day period
- Upon the reopening of the school, Public Health nurses will be onsite at the school to conduct an additional infection prevention and control assessment (iPAC) to ensure the appropriate measures are in place
- York Region Public Health continues to monitor closely after this period
What can be done to remind parents to adhere to health and safety protocols when picking up and dropping off their child(ren) at school? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
Safety is a shared responsibility.
We will continue to communicate protocols and expectations on school and Board level through Re-entry Plan established in conjunction with York Region Public Health to keep everyone in our school community safe.
Parents/guardians must follow Government of Ontario’s mandates regarding physical distancing of 2 metres/6 feet and mask wearing.
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? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
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.
What is considered a close contact? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
To understand who is considered a close contact at school, please read York Region Public Health’s infographic.
What is York Region Public Health and the York Catholic District School Board’s process to notify parents of a positive COVID-19 case? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- York Region Public Health follows Ministry of Ontario Guidelines and notifies parents of students when an exposure of COVID-19 takes place in the school. All parents in the school community receive a letter
- Through an in-depth case investigation public health will determine which cohorts are affected including if the student rode the bus or attended before and after care and those cohorts are sent home
- When notifying families in the school community, York Region Public Health is committed to maintaining the privacy of the affected individuals and families in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act
- If your child is identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case in the school, you will be notified by Public Health
- If you are not contacted by Public Health, your child is not considered a close contact and would not be required to stay home from school
- In some circumstances, families may be advised Public Health has determined it is safe for your child to return to school before the end of the 14-day period
What will staff do to prevent the mixing of cohorts when using the washroom? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- Health and safety protocols remain in place, i.e. physical distancing, washroom use indicators to ensure social distancing, maximum capacity and more
- Public health nurses reviewed/approved the school’s washroom procedure
- Students sanitize their hands when they leave the classroom and again when they return
- All high touch surfaces are cleaned regularly throughout the day
When students are identified as a close contact and are directed to self-isolate for 14-days, does this apply only to school or can they leave the house to partake in extracurricular activities? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
When a student has been directed by York Region Public Health to self-isolate for 14-days, this means students must self-isolate at home for the full 14-days.
While children experience mild symptoms of COVID-19, what can be the long-term effects in a child? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- The research continues to evolve regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children and adults
- What researchers do know is that there are fewer rates of hospitalization, deaths and significant health complications in children
- YRPH advises everyone to be cautious
Why are students allowed to go back to school if they don’t show symptoms within two weeks of being in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case? What if they are asymptomatic? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
York Region Public Health sends a cohort/class home to self-isolate for 14-days because this duration of time is the incubation period for COVID-19. Afterwards, you are no longer considered contagious. If you develop symptoms and get a positive test result, your isolation period may be extended.
This means that if a student/individual becomes symptomatic or tests positive within these 14-days, they will have completed the incubation period and will be safe to return to school.
As always, if students/individuals are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, then they should remain home.
Why are students from Grades 1 to 6 coming out of the same door at dismissal time? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- Entry and exit protocols were implemented since the beginning of the school year to minimize congestion of students/staff.
- School uses three entrances to separate student groups by division
Why aren’t masks mandatory for all students, including Kindergarten to Grade 3? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
The YCDSB follows all health and safety protocols as mandated by the Ministry of Education (MOE). In the MOE’s COVID-19: reopening schools guide, it states that students in kindergarten to Grade 3 are encouraged, but not required, to wear a non-medical or cloth mask in indoor spaces, including school transportation. Students in Grades 4 to 12 must wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes, as well as on school transportation.
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? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- 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 time, in fact, we are trying to extend student’s time outdoors which is why we have implemented the hybrid recess model to ensure there is no mixing of cohorts at recess
- YRPH: The risk outdoors is less because students can physically distance, there are fewer surfaces to touch and the ventilation is much better; physical and mental health effects are much greater when students can go outdoors
Why does the Government of Ontario’s website show different number of cases than the York Catholic District School Board’s COVID-19 Advisory Board webpage? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
The Government of Ontario’s website sometimes experiences technical issues or makes errors. Staff check the website daily and requests corrections if necessary.
Why doesn’t every school have staggered arrival and dismissal times? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- It interferes with learning for face to face and remote students
- It is difficult to adopt at schools with larger population
- Parents are advised to drop off child(ren) as close to the bell time as possible to prevent unnecessary congregation or mixing
- Parents are asked to leave school grounds promptly after drop off and/or pick up
- Active School Travel Program
- Parents encouraged to drop off child(ren) a block away from school to avoid congestion at the school
- Supports students’ physical and mental well-being
- Helps keep school zones safe
Why don’t members of the same household have to self-isolate if a member of their household has tested positive for COVID-19? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
Close contact: If an individual has tested positive for COVID-19, members of their household must also self-isolate. Those household members would then be considered a close contact.
Contact of a contact: Individuals who were potentially exposed to a positive case of COVID-19 must self-isolate, however, the members of their household are not required to self-isolate.
Why don’t students wear their mask on their way outside for recess? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- Proper mask care is an important safety measure
- York Region Public Health supports our method
- Students maintain sanitized masks by donning, doffing and storing in the classroom
- Also it is a good way to keep masks clean from sweat, bacteria and dirt
- Physical distancing is maintained at all times leaving and re-entering school
Why is it not a requirement for students to wear masks in hallways? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- To clarify, masks are required in the hallways. In fact, students must wear a mask in the classroom and when exiting the classrooms
- The only time students are not required to wear masks in the hallways is when they are exiting the school building for recess. During this time, staff are monitoring closely to ensure students are physically distanced and are exiting the school building quickly
- As mentioned, this is to ensure students are properly donning and doffing their masks while in the classrooms. York Region Public Health has stated that it is a better way for students to maintain a sanitized mask
Why is there a staggered recess time for cohorts at some schools? Does it decrease the amount of time that students spend outdoors? (Updated on November 5, 2020 )
- Some schools follow a hybrid recess protocol due to their larger populations. It ensures schools can maintain physical distance and prevent mixing of cohorts
- Teachers ensure students participate in 20 minutes of daily physical activity (DPA) outdoors (weather permitting)
What happens when heat becomes an issue when wearing masks? (Updated on October 1, 2020 )
York Region Public Health (YRPH) states that students should continue to wear masks indoors. YRPH suggests having students step outside to take a rest/breather. For more information, please read YRPH’s protocol on how to safely use portable fans in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What kind of face covering can my child(ren) wear to school? (Updated on September 23, 2020 )
The type of mask worn by all students must be a disposable medical mask or reusable cloth mask that has been purchased or made that covers the mouth, nose and chin ensuring a barrier that limits the spread of respiratory droplets when you cough, sneeze or talk.
Health organizations prefer students wear masks that are close to the student’s face that covers over their nose and tucked up against their chins, bandanas, for example, don’t do this. Masks are preferred so that breath droplets from students speaking to each other can’t be aspirated by the other student.
Are respirators with exhaust valves or mingle masks acceptable forms of masks? (Updated on September 8, 2020 )
Respirators with exhaust valves
According to Health Canada, some commercially available respirators have exhaust valves which are intended to make the respirator more comfortable for the person wearing it, but also allow infectious respiratory droplets to be released outside the respirator.
Use of respirators with exhaust valves will not protect others from COVID-19. Please do not use respirators with exhalation valves to prevent the spread COVID-19.
Mingle masks
According to York Region Public Health, and in accordance with Federal guidelines, a face covering should be made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric (such as cotton or linen) and completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping. For products that don’t meet this criteria for coverage on the face, respiratory droplets may still be inhaled around the product providing less protection to the wearer, and respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides which provides less protection to others. Therefore, “mingle” masks are not preferred from a source control perspective.
Can I wear a face shield instead of a face covering? (Updated on September 3, 2020 )
Face shields do not replace face coverings or masks. Your nose, mouth and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them and must be worn with a mask.
Do students have to maintain physical distancing even if they are wearing a face mask or covering? (Updated on September 3, 2020 )
Yes. All public health measures must still be maintained and promoted, including washing your hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve, staying home if you are ill and practicing physical distancing. These actions will reduce exposure to other people – this means staying at least 2 metres away from anyone outside your household or social circle.
Can students bring and eat a snack in class? (Updated on September 1, 2020 )
Yes. However, we ask that students limit the number of food items brought to school and that they follow the teacher’s direction in terms of the timing of having a snack.
If a child contracts COVID-19, will the whole class have to self-isolate for 14 days? (Updated on September 1, 2020 )
Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will conduct a thorough investigation and following their investigation, will direct the response from that point onwards. All confirmed cases will require a period of self-isolation as dictated by YRPH.
In secondary schools, the re-entry point is when classes in Periods 1 and 2 end and classes in Periods 3 and 4 begin. New cohorts will be established once Periods 3 and 4 begin.
In elementary schools they will be added to a cohort.
What are the safety measures that are in place at schools? (Updated on September 1, 2020 )
- Prior to leaving home each morning all students and staff are to conduct a self-assessment: Check Your Child Daily for Symptoms of COVID-19.
- If symptomatic, staff and students are to follow York Region Public Health’s (YRPH) decision tree – Should My Child Attend School?
- Students are to bring their own mask and wear it on the bus and when inside the school building. Prior to the start of the school year, it is advisable that students practice wearing a mask for lengthy periods of time.
- Hand sanitizer will be placed at key locations throughout the school.
- Students will stay in their classroom when at school and will be seated at a distance from one another in an assigned seating plan.
- Signage will be placed throughout the school reminding students of practicing safety measures.
- Students should bring their own water bottle daily and label it with their name.
- The number of students entering a washroom will be limited.
- Touch points will be cleaned twice daily by custodial staff.
- There will be no visitors permitted in schools unless absolutely necessary and only when prearranged.
- Teachers will review safety measures with students at the very start of the school year.
- A more comprehensive listing of the safety measures can be found here under the Health and Safety Protocols tab: YCDSB Back to School Plan – FAQs.
- Please review the safety information that York Region Public Health has provided: York Region Public Health Safety Measures.
What happens if a child refuses to wear a mask? (Updated on September 1, 2020 )
In short, the answer is in the interest of public health and to ensure the safety of all involved, if the child does not want to wear a mask to school as mandated by the Ministry of Education, the child will need to choose the alternative method of learning- learn from home. If the parent files a human rights complaint, the child will be expected to stay home/ learn from home until the matter is reviewed.
Even if it is found that it is more likely than not the child has been discriminated against based on one of the 17 protected grounds, then the Board will have to determine how the child can be accomodated, noting that the board will have to weigh/balance the interest of this child against those of all other students who may be exposed/vulnerable.
What is the plan in place should a second wave of COVID-19 happen? (Updated on September 1, 2020 )
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YCDSB has been working closely with – and taking direction from – the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, and York Region Public Health (YRPH).
York Region is still in a state of emergency and is currently in full response to COVID-19. YRPH is working closely with the school boards and community partners to address any possible outbreaks and prevent any new cases of COVID-19. They continue to undertake surveillance and monitoring that will help identify any surge in cases. In the event of a second wave of COVID-19, we will continue to take direction from the MOE and our public health partners to determine the best path forward.
Please click here to learn more about what happens when a case of COVID-19 is detected at a school.
Are there designated entry and exit points at the school? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Schools have communicated their unique designated entry and exit points to their families. For more information, please contact your school.
Can students take their mask off indoors during Physical Education class while physical distancing (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
York Region Public Health advises that it is reasonable and safer for students to remove their masks when participating in activities that elevate heart rate and increase breathing as long as they are physically distanced, even while indoors.
Gymnasiums or large spaces should only be used where physical distancing measures can be followed. Outdoor gym classes and physical activity exercises are encouraged when possible. Hand hygiene supplies should be readily available and processes or storage of face coverings should be in place during gym classes to allow for the safe removal, handling and storage face coverings while continuing to maintain physical distance of 2 meters.
If you are able to ensure students remain 2 metres from each other and if they will be taking part in activities that elevate their heart rate and increase breathing, it would be reasonable and safer that masks be taken off during this time.
Do students with anxiety or other health issues have to wear a mask? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.
Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal as reasonable exceptions to the requirement will apply.
For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.
How will FDK classes maintain health and safety (e.g. ensuring clean toys, equipment) measures? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Learning materials will be available for students to use to address the expectations found in The Kindergarten Program, 2016. All materials used by students and educators will be disinfected on a regular basis in adherence with the guidelines set by York Region Public Health (YRPH). Carpets and rugs, where appropriate, will be removed. Children will be following hand washing and physical distancing protocols outlined by YRPH when seated on the floor/carpet.
FDK classes will undertake the following health and safety measures:
- Ensure all toys used in primary classrooms are made of materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected (e.g., remove plush toys)
- Sensory materials (e.g., playdough, water and sand play) should be used by one student and available to that student for the day and then discarded. Materials will be labelled with the student’s name, if possible
- Items that cannot be easily cleaned and disinfected or laundered should be removed from use as much as possible
How will schools ensure proper airflow in classrooms, particularly classrooms without air conditioning? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Individual teachers in the room will open windows, if required. On hot days, with the windows closed, the cooling will make face masks more comfortable. If windows are open on hot days, the cooling will not be as effective, which will impact the students wearing masks.
How will students go to the washrooms and remain in cohorts? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Washroom visits will occur on demand in our secondary schools. Only one student at a time will be allowed to leave a classroom and visit the assigned washroom. Capacity for that washroom will be clearly indicated with signage, stalls locked and closed, and markings on the floor/walls. If the washroom is already occupied to capacity, markings on the floor will be used to line up and wait. The same practices will be put in effect in the elementary schools. Primary classes may have scheduled class visits.
If one of my children is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, does the sibling also have to stay home? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will direct the response from that point onwards.
What happens if my child’s teacher is away? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
In the case a teacher is away, an occasional (supply) teacher will be assigned to replace the permanent teacher.
What is the plan for drop off and pick-up? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Schools have implemented their own pick up and drop off routines as per the needs of their school. For more information, please contact your school.
What is the process if my child requires a mask accommodation? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.
What will happen to water filling stations or drinking fountains? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
Water filling stations may be used to refill water bottles that students are to bring from home. Water bottles should also be labelled with the student’s name. Drinking fountains may be used to refill water bottles but are not to be used to drink from by mouth. There will be signs by each water fountain communicating this requirement.
Will all YCDSB schools have an assigned public health nurse as stated by the Ministry of Education? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
York Region Public Health’s current plan is to have 48 dedicated school health nurses with assigned schools to assist in education on proper use of masks, contact tracing, potential mobile testing for potential outbreaks in schools and more.
Will teachers be expected to collect papers (e.g. assignments and tests)? If so, how will they ensure they will be cleaned and safely returned to students? (Updated on August 31, 2020 )
As much as possible, digital distribution and collection will be implemented. If that is not possible, teachers will leave papers on student desks and or leave them on a table for safe pick up.
Can my child wear a face shield instead of a face mask? (Updated on August 24, 2020 )
Masks are mandatory for Grades 4 to 12 students. Face shields are optional but are not to replace the wearing of face masks as the nose, mouth and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them and must be worn with a mask.
How will students maintain physical distance in hallways, stairways, washrooms and common areas? (Updated on August 24, 2020 )
All hallways and stairways will have signage indicating the direction staff and students are to walk in. Washrooms will also have signage indicating maximum occupancy with markings to indicate where to stand if waiting is required. School administrators and teaching staff will be providing instructions for all students on the first day of school on all safety protocols.
Entry and dismissal will be staggered to allow for reduced traffic in the hallways.
What kind of cleaning products will be used? Are the products safe for the school environment? (Updated on August 24, 2020 )
The Board has purchased hand sanitizer from Deb Stoko and the Health Guard that will be made available in schools. A large bulk purchase was also made earlier from Panita.
Please note some schools may purchase their own hand sanitizer. The Ministry of Education will also be providing schools with hand sanitizer.
There are mainly two types of cleaning products being used in the school. Both products are safe for the school environment. The cleaning products have a drug identification number (DIN) which means they have been approved for use in Canada.
A quaternary ammonium disinfectant is diluted in water and used during the day to wipe down the high traffic touchpoints and after the students leave for the day the school is cleaned and disinfected using this product. Desks in classrooms will be wiped down during the day using a hydrogen peroxide cleaner.
Will there be disciplinary actions to students who remove their masks? (Updated on August 24, 2020 )
The wearing of masks for all students from Grades 4 to 12 is mandatory as indicated by the provincial government and York Region Public Health.
Teachers and administrators will follow our Board’s Progressive Discipline of Employees Policy. Students will be spoken to and advised of the reason for mask wearing. Parents will be contacted. Students will not return to school unless they are committed to keeping a mask on at all times. Parents may choose to have their child(ren) remain at home and engage in remote learning.
Does my child have to monitor their symptoms prior to entering the school building? (Updated on August 21, 2020 )
Before arrival to school, parents/guardians of students under 18 and students over 18 are responsible to review and adhere to the checklist (click link) from York Region Public Health.
What are the enhanced cleaning protocols in schools? What kind of cleaning will be undertaken by the school and how often? (Updated on August 21, 2020 )
Enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfecting recommendations, advised by York Region Public Health, are as follows:
- Regular daily cleaning of all areas outside normal school hours, high-touch surfaces will be cleaned a minimum of twice during the day; examples include door handles in corridors, bottle filling stations, washroom faucets and handles, etc.
- Paper towel and soap dispensers will be refilled during the day as required.
- A regularly scheduled deep cleaning when students are not present.
- Special needs change areas will be cleaned between students.
- Sanitizing wipes and/or spray bottles will be provided to staff for spot cleaning in classrooms and/or cleaning of shared resources between users.
- In order to achieve this additional cleaning, custodial staff will be redeployed as required, including additional day custodial staff and hiring additional supply custodians.
Will outdoor classrooms be set up, particularly in schools where ventilation is poor? (Updated on August 21, 2020 )
Teachers are encouraged to make use of outdoor classrooms whenever possible. Classes may be rotated through these classrooms.
Will students be allowed to use common areas, including libraries, gymnasium and cafeteria? If so, how will safety be ensured? (Updated on August 21, 2020 )
All common gathering spaces: libraries, learning commons and cafeterias will be closed to student use. The use of the gymnasium will only be for pre-arranged teacher-supervised class use.
Will students have access to lockers (cubbies for FDK students)? (Updated on August 21, 2020 )
Students will not be using lockers, coat hooks or cubbies.
Are all students and staff required to wear a mask or personal protective equipment (PPE)? (Updated on August 17, 2020 )
In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged, but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.
Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website here. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal in writing as reasonable exceptions to the requirement may apply.
All staff will wear medical masks and face shields.
What does cohorting mean? (Updated on August 17, 2020 )
Cohorting refers to the grouping of students, and sometimes teachers or staff, that stay together throughout the school day to minimize exposure for students, teachers, and staff across the school environment.
Ideally, students and staff within a cohort would only have physical proximity with others in the same cohort. This practice may help prevent the spread of COVID-19, by limiting cross-over of students, teachers, and staff to the extent possible, thus:
- decreasing opportunities for exposure to or transmission of COVID-19,
- facilitating more efficient contact tracing in the event of a positive case, and
- allowing for targeted testing, quarantine, and isolation of a single cohort instead of school-wide measures in the event of a positive case or cluster of cases.
What have schools and Board offices done to ensure the health and safety measures of everyone? (Updated on August 17, 2020 )
The physical health of all of our students is the underlying principle of all of our COVID-19 related procedures and practices. COVID-19’s spread can be reduced by adhering to the following three principles:
- Physical distancing
- Regular hand washing
- Mask wearing
In order to support the physical health of our staff and students, our return to school plan encompasses all of the above three components as outlined within the Ministry of Education’s guidance document and supported by York Region Public Health for both our elementary students and secondary students and staff. There will be measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, including physical distancing, respiratory etiquette (e.g. cough/sneeze), hand washing routines and mask wearing.
Risk mitigation measures that are most protective involve separating people through physical distancing and/or physical barriers. Other measures rely on individuals consistently following personal preventive practices such as respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, and wearing non-medical masks. Given that physical distancing is not always possible in schools, it will be important to “layer” multiple measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in schools.
Will students be required to wear masks during class? Can they take them off if it gets too hot? (Updated on August 17, 2020 )
In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged, but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.
Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal in writing as reasonable exceptions to the requirement may apply.
York Catholic District School Board