Going to school during COVID-19

Daily screening is an Ontario government requirement. You must screen your child before they leave for school each day.

Refer to the Ontario COVID School Screening tool for more information.

Peel Public Health strongly recommends that school boards and schools conduct daily on-site confirmation of student, staff, and visitor self-screening results. This practice will be required during periods of increased risk (e.g., after a COVID-19 exposure or during an outbreak).

If you or your child are required to self isolate and cannot safely self-isolate at home, free isolation hotels are available in Peel. Our COVID-19 Voluntary Isolation Housing program provides a hotel quality room that’s private and safe. For more information call Region of Peel Human Services at 905-281-1269, or get more details.

If you have questions about your specific situation, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700. (In Caledon call 905-584-2216.) Our call centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Schools in Peel must follow the guidance outlined by the Ontario government for the 2021-2022 school year. Additional local recommendations for schools in Peel have also been developed in consultation with our local school board partners. Refer to prevention measures in schools to learn more.

Parents and guardians can help keep their children safe in school by following these measures.

Ensure your child has a well-fitted, high-quality mask to wear to school.

Students in Grades 1 to 12 are required to wear masks inside the school, including in hallways and during classes, and on the bus. Peel Public Health strongly recommends that school boards and private schools require students in kindergarten (JK and SK) to wear masks while attending school in-person and while on a school bus.

Masks may be temporarily removed indoors, with physical distancing precautions, during breaks when students are eating or drinking. Students are not required to wear masks outdoors, but physical distancing should be encouraged as much as possible. Masking outdoors should be maintained where physical distancing cannot be maintained between cohorts (e.g., during entry or when exiting the school). Refer to your school’s policy for details on masks.

• It may be helpful to pack an extra mask for your child each day. Your child will then be able to change their mask if it becomes dirty or damp.
• Masks can be stored in a dry, clean paper bag or container during lunch and break times. Store clean masks separately from dirty masks.
• Learn how to choose, wear and clean or dispose of a mask.

Reasonable exceptions on the requirement to wear masks apply (e.g., those who have trouble breathing or cannot to wear a mask for medical reasons). Explain to your child that some people cannot wear masks, and to show kindness in these situations.

Hand hygiene is an important protective measure. Talk to your child about frequent hand hygiene and the safe use of hand sanitizers.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available or if hands are not visibly dirty.
• Allow hand sanitizer to dry before eating or drinking.
• Never eat or drink hand sanitizers. Even small amounts can be dangerous or fatal.
• Always supervise your child when they use hand sanitizer.
• Store hand sanitizer in a safe place that’s out of the reach of children.
• Avoid products packaged in containers that look like food or beverage containers to avoid possible confusion.

Signage

• School screening poster
• Mandatory masks
• Stop infection, wear a mask
• Use hand sanitizer
• Wash your hands
• Physical distancing
• Maximum occupancy limit
• Stairwell directions – up
• Stairwell directions – down
• How to self-isolate