COVID-19 School and Child Care Information for Parents

• If they test negative for COVID-19, they can still be infectious with other respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV, etc. which can spread to others. The most up-to-date guidance takes into consideration all viruses circulating during the fall/winter season and not just COVID-19. Therefore the current guidance is that all individuals should stay home if they develop any new or worsening symptoms.
• The guidance no longer differentiates when an individual tests negative or positive for COVID-19, nor does it differentiate based on vaccination status. At this time, isolation and masking recommendations are mainly dependent on symptom(s) and health status. We encourage all individuals to continue their daily screening (external link) before attending school or child care to obtain accurate instructions on isolation and masking.

• The most up-to-date guidance no longer differentiates when an individual tests negative or positive for COVID-19. At this time, isolation and masking recommendations are mainly dependent on symptom(s) and health status. We encourage all individuals to continue their daily screening (external link) before attending school or child care to obtain accurate instructions on isolation and masking.
• The updated guidance takes into consideration all viruses circulating during the fall/winter season and not just COVID-19. Therefore the current guidance is that all individuals should stay home if they develop any new or worsening symptoms.

There is no requirement for parent(s)/guardians/principals/child care operators to report a positive PCR/RAT result to public health.

• Masking is not required for students, staff, and visitors in schools or on student transportation; however, masking in indoor settings and crowded spaces is still encouraged. Public Health strongly encourages our school communities to actively promote respectful and inclusive environments for individuals who choose to wear a mask or not.
• Masking requirements depend on various factors such as symptom(s), exposures or testing positive for COVID-19. Please complete the daily screening tool (external link) and follow the directions provided.

Non-medical masks are safe to use, even among children.

In terms of risks, continuous mask use may be associated with facial skin lesions, rashes and acne. In younger age groups, there are potential risks related to language and social development. Also, there is a risk of self-contamination if an individual touches or moves their mask with dirty hands. Therefore, it is important to incorporate hand hygiene with mask use.

Overall, Halton Region Public Health recommends the use of non-medical masks as an additional measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The following are tips for how to care for your mask:

• Clearly identify your mask with names or initials, to avoid confusion or accidentally using another person’s mask.
• It can be helpful to label your mask to indicate top/bottom and front/back.
• Do not share or swap your mask with others, or touch a mask belonging to someone else.
• Your mask should be stored a clean place (for example, individually labeled container or sealed bag).
• A mask should not be worn if it is wet, damp or dirty.
• Cloth masks should be washed after every day of use and/or before being used again, or if visibly soiled.
• Wash your cloth mask by putting it directly into the washing machine, using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.
• Discard disposable masks in a plastic lined garbage bin after use.
• Families should consider providing an additional mask for children in case a back-up mask is needed during the day and to facilitate every day washing of a cloth mask.

For more information on masking please refer to Halton’s COVID-19 Information and Guidance webpage and fact sheet Use of Non-Medical Masks or Face Coverings in Schools (PDF file) fact sheet.

The best storage option is a labeled paper bag or envelope as these materials do not retain moisture which could allow bacteria to grow on the mask. If a paper bag or envelope is used, discard at the end of each day.

Alternatively, use a labeled cleanable container with a lid or a sealable plastic bag. If a reusable container with a lid is used, clean and disinfect it at the end of each day.

Fanny packs, pockets and break-away lanyards that release when pulled or when pressure is applied, may be used for temporary mask storage (e.g. during outdoor play).

It is recommended that anyone required to self-isolate stay in one place, living with the fewest people possible, for the entire time they are required to self-isolate.

Parents who share custody or co-parent may wish to adjust the usual shared parenting arrangements.

For example:

• If the child is the one required to self-isolate, allow the child to remain in one home until the self-isolation period is complete.
• If a parent is required to self-isolate, allow the child to remain in the home of the other parent (who is not self-isolating) until the self-isolation period is complete.

If you have a lawyer assisting you with family law matters, you may wish to seek their advice. If you do not have a lawyer, the Law Society of Ontario website (external link) also includes information about its emergency family law referral service as well as contact information for Legal Aid Ontario (external link).

Halton Region Public Health is not able to provide parents with legal advice on their family law obligations, including those established by an agreement or court order.

• Please visit Halton’s COVID-19 Information and Guidance webpage for more information on how to self-isolate.