As educators, you play a key role in helping students adapt to the new norms in our school systems. To support you in this important role, this site contains resources to keep your students healthy and safe while they learn.
If you are looking for guidance for a child or staff member who has symptoms of COVID-19, visit our Individuals with Symptoms, Positive Cases, and Close Contacts webpage for next steps. For additional information, please refer to the Ontario Ministry of Health Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario Document.
Schools can become a place where illnesses transmit easily between children and staff, resulting in respiratory and enteric outbreaks. It is the duty of each school to ensure infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices are in place and that regular surveillance of children and staff is conducted.
Suspected reportable or communicable illnesses are required to be reported to the Health Unit to prevent further spread by calling 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 or 1555. The Guide to Common Infections can help to support you in the management of a student/staff attending your facility who have a communicable disease.
When school administrators determine they have >20% absenteeism (students and staff) or if there is a concern of high absenteeism in a cluster/classroom, they must fill out the online School and Childcare Centre Absenteeism Reporting Form on our website.
Many of us have had a hard time dealing over the past few years with all of the changes related to the pandemic. Emotions may have built-up, and at times, student’s mental health has suffered. Schools can also be a stressful time for some students.
To help prevent the spread of respiratory illness like COVID-19, use measures to reduce the spread of illness and stay home when you are sick.
Masks help prevent the spread of germs by shielding the release of respiratory droplets from the wearer’s mouth and nose. It also helps by providing a barrier for the wearer. If you’re looking for resources to support mask use, please see the below resources:
Handwashing is one of the best infection prevention methods. If you’re looking for resources to help support your teaching around handwashing, please see the resources below:
