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Going to school during COVID-19

How to stay safe while attending school

Schools in Peel must follow the guidance outlined by the Ontario government for the 2022-2023 school year. Refer to the Ministry of Education for more information on the health and safety measures schools must follow to protect students and the school community.

COVID-19 vaccines

Peel Public Health recommends that all eligible children receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccinating children and youth will not only help to protect them from severe COVID-19 outcomes, but will also protect those around them. Get details about COVID-19 vaccines for children including where to get the vaccine.

Screening

Staff and students should continue to self-screen every day before attending school using the online school screening tool and stay home when sick. Come back to school when you do not have a fever and your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea).

If you have severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency department.

Hand hygiene and other protective measures

Remind your children about the importance of hand hygiene as a protective measure. Talk to them about frequent hand washing and the safe use of hand sanitizers.

Learn more about protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.

Managing symptoms and exposures

Parents and guardians can help their children stay safe in school by keeping them home if they have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Refer to more information for individuals who have COVID-19, have symptoms or been exposed.

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 and needs to see a health professional, call your family doctor, contact Health Connect Ontario (formerly Telehealth Ontario) at 811 or go to COVID, Cold and Flu clinic for a clinical assessment. Get more information on when to seek medical help.

Questions

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

Other information

If a child or staff member develops COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive on a molecular or rapid antigen test, they should follow the instructions for individuals with COVID-19.

Staff or students with symptoms at school

If they develop COVID-19 symptoms at school, the following steps will be taken:

  • They will be removed from their class or cohort.
  • Parents or guardians will be notified to pick the child up as soon as possible.

Reporting and management

  • Parents or guardians are not required to report a child’s COVID-19 test results to their school.
  • Schools are not required to notify students or families of individuals with COVID-19 symptoms in the school. However, some schools may choose to share this information with students and families. Refer to your school or school board for more information.

Notification of high absenteeism

If it is determined that school absenteeism levels are 30% above their baseline and may be due to COVID-19, a notification letter will be sent to families and staff.

Guidance documents

Mental health supports and resources

For local programs and supports refer to:

For more information and resources refer to:

Related information