COVID-19 Info: Schools

Last updated: September 12, 2022

On August 31, 2022, the Ministry of Health released updated COVID-19 guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illness in schools. This page has been updated to reflect these changes.

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) continues to support local school administrators with managing COVID-19 and safely operating schools. This includes working with our school boards and private schools.

COVID-19: health and safety measures at schools include self-screening, cleaning practices, ventilation, and access to rapid antigen tests.

Screening and staying home if ill

Students, teachers, school staff and visitors should self-screen for symptoms of COVID‑19 every day before going to school.

Use the COVID‑19 school and child care screening tool to assess your child or yourself for symptoms. The results will tell you:

  • if you should go to school or stay home
  • what to do next

 Be sure to read all of the guidance provided on the screening tool.

COVID-19 testing and isolation information

If you have questions about COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines, please call the Provincial Testing and Isolation line at 1-888-777-0730. It is available 7 days a week from 8am to 6pm.

Staying safe in school

While most COVID-19 public health measures have been lifted, COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and remains a health risk. The following protective measures will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.

  • Staying home when sick
  • Wearing a face mask
  • Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines
  • Testing for COVID-19 when symptomatic or exposed to someone with the virus
  • Practicing good hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer)
  • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, a mask, or your elbow

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I’ve been exposed / who do I tell if I test positive for COVID-19?

It is the responsibility of the individual with COVID-19 symptoms or a COVID-19 positive test to determine who their close contacts are and to notify them of their potential exposure.
Does my child need to wear a mask?

Masks are no longer universally required for students in schools, or on student transportation.

There will still be instances where students and staff are required to wear masks during the school day including:

  • For 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 or having symptoms
  • When exposed to a case of COVID-19 in the community or the household
    • Avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary (such as dining out, high contact sports)
  • Upon return from international travel (if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated) for 14 days

Please remember that there will be students and staff who may choose to continue to wear masks at times, or consistently. We encourage and remind everyone to remain kind, considerate, and respectful toward everyone who wears a mask and everyone who does not.

What do I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?

The isolation period for symptomatic school-aged individuals with no additional complications is until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours; with no fever or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) are involved.

If the individual tested positive for COVID-19 but has no symptoms they do not have to isolate. If symptoms occur they need to isolate immediately.

For information on isolation and what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 call the Provincial Testing and Isolation line at 1-888-777-0730 (available Monday to Sunday from 8am-6pm). 
What do I do after COVID-19 isolation ends?

For 10 days after COVID-19 symptom onset or positive test result, the individual must:

  • Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
  • Avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary
  • Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness
  • Avoid all non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes

Supporting mental health for students, parents and educators
Please visit Local supports for mental health services in Huron Perth.