The COVID-19 protocol for public schools in Canada is:

Toronto-A new school year has just begun and cases of COVID-19 have already been reported in hundreds of schools across the country, with some parents navigating the protocol, including when their children should be examined. I’m having a hard time understanding how to proceed If I need to be self-isolated and when can I get back to school?

Days and weeks after the face-to-face class resumes, 480 schools in Quebec And Over 200 in Ontario Have At least one case COVID-19 so far. New cases are reported almost daily and many cohorts are self-isolated.

For example, an elementary school in Quebec City has announced a two-week closure. 20 students and 5 staff It was virus positive. A high school in Pembroke, Ontario Close first Four staff and one student tested positive in the state. Edmonton reported two schools under “supervision”. 5 cases or more..

And this does not explain all children returning home with a runny nose, cough, and other symptoms that need to be evaluated-a second wave of concern. Long lines and waiting time At test centers nationwide.

To take snapshots of the various protocols, CTVNews.ca examined 18 school boards and regional policies across the country. Most committees are directly in compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines set by state and territorial health authorities, but some have coordinated or implemented additional guidelines beyond state obligations. ..

From region to region, protocols differ slightly in terms of mask requirements. This symptom requires the child to be at home, such as whether the test is recommended or mandatory, and whether the student can resume class.

mask

Local and school boards generally have some masking requirements or recommendations for older elementary school students and older, especially when cohorts and physical distances are difficult.

The Toronto District Board of Education (TDSB) -Canada’s largest student representing more than 240,000 students-and its Catholics are an exception. Must wear mask on all grades When you’re indoors, not above the state-specified fourth grade.

In contrast, territories and Atlantic states do not require masks in the classroom. Even if there are cases, masks are recommended or needed only in situations where distance cannot be maintained, such as in common areas such as buses and corridors, as these areas are few and far away.

Daily health check

Parents and caregivers are expected to have daily health checks at home, for example TDSB parents Sign the form daily or use the app Make sure that a health check has been performed to facilitate the daily intake screening process at school. The Toronto Catholic Commission Secondary screening at school Depends on the staff.

In contrast, Nunavut does not require daily checks. Nunavut has not yet reported a positive case. Daily screening requirements arise as areas within the territory enter “Stage 2”. This indicates an increased risk of COVID-19 infection.

Symptom checklist

The list of symptoms is slightly different from the ones listed by state and on the Government of Canada website.

Consensus across all jurisdictions around fever and cough is the main symptom to be aware that students need to be at home. Most areas have shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste, sore throat, runny nose, and diarrhea, but in some cases these are considered secondary symptoms. Symptoms that students are evaluated at home.

In BC, if Main symptoms If you have one, we recommend staying at home 24 hours a day until you feel good enough to return to class. If the symptom persists, or if there are more than one, you should be assessed for health. In Alberta, students Legally required Self-isolate for at least 10 days if any of the main symptoms are present.

However, many of the symptoms can be minor on their own (is diarrhea a sign of COVID-19 or is it the aftermath of a bad supper?), Or similar to a cold or allergy, but the student receives. It didn’t take long, but I sent it home. This has led some health authorities to reconsider which symptoms to include.

BC sought to find a balance by shrinking the list by more than half. Currently, symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches are not a reason to keep students at home. These changes Despite growing concerns among some parents and teachers, state health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry defended the change, and symptoms removed from the list usually have COVID-19 on their own. He pointed out that he did not show it. He added that this is “a balancing act to keep children in school as much as possible and to minimize the risks they pose.”

With Manitoba Ontario said Following the changes made in BC, we are also checking the checklist

Existing health

In most cases, screening guidelines make it clear that these are new or worsening symptoms. For example, British Columbia and Nova Scotia have made it clear that students with existing medical conditions that can also cause similar symptoms (such as allergies) can attend school as long as these existing symptoms do not worsen. I will.

Nova Scotia encourages families to contact the school, while BC does not require medical notes for confirmation. In Alberta, students should take the test at least once and get negative results before returning to class, stating that they can establish a baseline of symptoms and inform the school about their existing health. It is recommended to do.

COVID-19 test requirements

When students return home with symptoms, most states and territories require self-isolation for a period of time. Healthcare provider assessment and testing or instruction by the local public health department are highly recommended, but in most cases not required. Also, testing usually does not require negative results for students to return to school as long as the prescribed period of self-isolation and surveillance is met.

Saskatchewan is one of the few areas where testing is mandatory. According to both school reopening handbooks Saskatoon Public School And Regina Public School, “If students are referred for testing, they must stay home and self-isolate until they are instructed by the results and health authorities.” In Quebec, caregivers go to public health. You must contact and comply with guidelines, including inspection requirements.

Self-separation period

The rules for self-separation and the time when a child can return to school after getting sick also vary by jurisdiction. Students who did not require a test or tested negative after being evaluated by a healthcare provider can return to school 24 to 48 hours after their symptoms disappear. The only exception to negative results is when the test is done for exposure to a positive case. In that case, a full 14-day isolation period is required. Alberta Another 10 days of self-separation Required if you get sick during the 14-day quarantine period.

If a student gives a positive reaction, or does not undergo an assessment and test on BC, Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon, they must be self-isolated 10 days after the onset of symptoms or until the symptoms disappear, whichever is longer. .. For Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and PEI, the self-isolation period is 14 days or until the symptoms disappear. Many areas also require parents of sick children to contact and follow local public health departments for guidance and requirements.

The board of education referenced Vancouver School District, Greater Victoria Board of Education, Calgary Board of Education, Saskatoon Public School, Regina Public School, Winnipeg School District, Toronto District Board of Education, Toronto Catholic District Board of Education, Ottawa Carlton District Board of Education, English Montreal Board of Education, Central Quebec Board of Education, Anglophone West School District (NB, Fredericton), Public School Branch (PEI), Halifax Regional Center for Education, Newfoundland & Labrador English School District, And school guidelines Nunavut, Northwest Territories,and Yukon..