If one of my children has symptoms of COVID-19, do they all have to stay home from school?

Students should complete the COVID-19 school screening tool (Government of Ontario) daily and follow the advice provided. Students who meet the COVID-19 symptom criteria should assume that they have the virus and are contagious, isolate immediately and conduct an at-home rapid antigen test , if available. For more information on isolation requirements and next steps, see Ontario.ca/exposed.

If the sick child is young and cannot isolate apart from household contacts, a parent or caregiver can isolate with the child, away from other members of household. Household members who develop symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home and isolate.

Household members, without symptoms of COVID-19, may also be required to isolate, depending on age and vaccination status. Review instructions for household members at Ontario.ca/exposed.

All household contacts must continue to monitor for symptoms, continue to wear a mask in all public settings, must not visit anyone who is at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, such as older adults and individuals who are immunocompromised, must avoid highest risk settings, such as hospitals, for 10 days following exposure.

To help decide if you should or should not send your child to school, conduct screening using the provincial COVID-19 school screening questionnaire or questionnaires provided by your school board. Screening should be conducted daily for each child attending school. Remember to also check school policies which may provide you with more direction about when to keep your children home.


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This item was last modified on April 20, 2022




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