If your child tests positive for COVID-19 on either a PCR or rapid antigen test, they should self-isolate and not attend classes or activities for the duration of the self-isolation period.
Positive COVID-19 test results for school-based staff or students, from either rapid antigen or PCR tests, do not need to be reported to the local school office for the purposes of close contact notification at this time.
Managing COVID-19 Risk in School Settings
Experience indicates that school-associated cases reflect community transmission, and the risk of transmission within schools is low with the use of infection control precautions.
- Continue hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, environmental cleaning, ventilation, self-testing (rapid testing) where available;
- Any staff and students feeling unwell should stay home until symptoms resolve;
- Encouraging everyone who is eligible gets both doses of a two‐dose COVID‐19 vaccine series, including household members of students and staff.
Masking for Schools
At this time, masks are not required by public health order in schools. Parents and/or students may choose to continue using masks. Schools may also request visitors/staff to wear a mask, but it is the individual's choice. It is important to be kind and respect everyone's choices.
Questions and Answers: School and Daycare Case Management
When is it recommended for my child have to isolate?
Like adults, children who test positive should self-isolate for five days and shouldn't attend school or daycare. There is no longer a public health order isolate requiring anyone who tests positive to self isolate; however, it is strongly recommended that they do self-isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Everyone should self-monitor for COVID-19, and self-isolate at the first sign of even mild symptoms and self-test.
What if my child develops symptoms of COVID-19 after being exposed to a case?
All individuals should be self-monitoring at this time. If your child develops symptoms, your child should not attend school or daycare and seek the testing options available.
Does this apply to preschools and playschools?
Children in playschool and preschool should not attend playschool or preschool at any time during their self-isolation period if they test positive for COVID-19. Children who are close contacts only may continue to attend preschool and playschools but should monitor for symptoms.