COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. What is the provinical guidance for mask wearing? 
    • If someone had COVID-19 symptoms (regardless of a COVID-19 test result) and their self-isolation period is ending; that person should wear a mask when out in public (including in schools) for 10 days from when their symptoms started or date of test (whichever is earlier /applicable)
    • If someone tests positive for COVID-19 but does not have any symptoms; that person should wear a mask for 10 days when out in public, including in schools
    • If someone is a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (household or non-household) that person should wear a mask for the self-monitoring period of 10 days post-exposure
    • If a staff member, child or visitor received their COVID-19 vaccine or flu shot in the last 48 hours and are experiencing mild fatigue / tiredness, muscle aches and / or joint pain that only began after vaccination; that person should wear a properly fitted mask for the entire time at school while they’re experiencing these symptoms
    • Additionally, per federal regulations, masks need to be worn if an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated child age 5 to 11 is returning from international travel; that child must wear a mask for 14 days (including in schools) after arrival in Canada
  2. Do students and staff members need to wear a mask when coming to the school?
    • Masks for students, staff and visitors are no longer required in schools and childcare (both indoor & outdoor) or on student transportation.
    • Anyone can continue to wear a mask if they choose to and will be supported and respected for their decision.
    • In alignment with the Ontario government’s guidance, masks must continue to be worn during the following (for children under 2 years of age a well fitted mask is not required; mask exemptions on file in the office will be honoured):
      • If a person is returning to school or childcare on Day 6 post-infection; that person must continue to mask until day 11.
      • If a person is returning from international travel; that person must wear a mask for 14 days after travel.
      • If someone is a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (household or non-household), that person must wear a mask during the self-monitoring period for 10 days post exposure.
  3. When is my child able to return to school after travelling internationally?

HEALTH AND SAFETY: CLEANING & DISINFECTION

  1. Have you made changes to your cleaning protocols?
    • Pathways is continuing some of our enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures; in addition to, the regular, repeated cleaning and disinfection of high touch, multi-use work surfaces that take place.
    • All classrooms, washrooms and play areas will be cleaned a twice daily.
    • Pathways will follow the advice of Niagara Region Public Health regarding best practices for cleaning and disinfecting and keep a cleaning and disinfecting log to track and demonstrate cleaning schedules.
    • Pathways has increased our custodial staff to allow for continuous cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.
    • Hand Washing: Hand hygiene will continue to be encouraged. If soap and water is not available, Alcohol Based Hand Rub will be made available.
  1. Will the school be sanitized regularly?

     

    • Yes, Pathways will ensure enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures are taking place, in addition to, the regular, repeated cleaning and disinfection of high touch, multi-use work surfaces. All classrooms, washrooms and play areas will be cleaned a twice daily.
    • Pathways has increased our custodial staff to allow for continuous cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.
  1. How often will washrooms be sanitized and when will it occur?

     

    • Pathways will continue to clean and sanitize our washrooms twice daily and when visibly soiled.
    • Currently, we are doing a routine cleaning and sanitizing each bathroom prior to opening and twice daily.

DAILY OPERATIONS

  1. Would guests other than students/teachers be entering the school?
    • Yes, we are currently welcoming special guests/ non-essential visitors in the building, this includes volunteers or co-op students.

COVID-19 HEALTH SCREENING

  1. Will there be daily health screenings?
    • Families complete their daily health screening prior to arrival using the provided Provincial screening tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
    • If a family or staff member fails the daily screening, entry into the building will not be permitted and we ask that you contact the office for guidance.
  1. Will parents be allowed in the building?
    • Yes, parents will be allowed to enter the building at pick up and drop off times. Our doors will remain locked during the school day.
    • Parents are asked to say their goodbyes at the top of the hallway or at the locker area.

COVID-19 ILLNESS & EXPOSURE PROTOCOL

  1. I am required to self isolate; how do I determine when my self isolation begins and ends?
    • The following is considered Day 0 by the NRPH:
      • The date or your rapid or PCR test,
      • the onset of symptoms or
      • last day in close contact of a confirmed case or symptomatic household member
    • For Vaccinated Individuals or Children 11 years old or younger: Your self-isolate period will last for five days from day 0 (and day 1 will start the next day).
    • For Unvaccinated Individuals 12 years old and older:
      • If you tested positive or have symptoms: Your self-isolate period will last for ten days from day 0 (and day 1 will start the next day).
      • If you are a close contact: Your self-isolate period will last for five days from day 0 (and day 1 will start the next day).
  1. My child is not sick, however another family member residing in our household has a symptom, what do we do?
    • There are a few factors to take into consideration if a family member has a symptom and if other family members are required to self-isolate.
    • The household isolation will be for 5- or 10-day period (depending on vaccination status of the symptomatic individual), as the household must follow the isolation of the symptomatic family member.
    • Household members are not required to self-isolate if they do not have symptoms AND one of the following applies:
      • Are 18 years of age and older and have received their booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
      • Are under 18 years of age and are fully vaccinated
      • Previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (and the school has a record of the positive case)
    • Otherwise, household members must self-isolate and can not attend school / childcare.
    • The household isolation will be for 5- or 10-day period (depending on vaccination status of the symptomatic individual), as the household members required to isolate, must follow the isolation of the symptomatic family member.
    • If another family member develops a symptom during this isolation period, then the rest of the family (minus the first symptomatic person) restarts their 5 or 10 isolations from the new symptom.
  1. What will the policies and procedures for cold symptoms, headache, runny nose, etc.? How long will my child need to be kept home from school?
    • Symptom lists are broken into 2 groups.
      • first list of symptoms: fever / chills, cough, shortness of breath, decrease / loss of smell or taste AND
      • second list of symptoms: sore throat, head ache, extreme fatigue, runny nose/ nasal congestion, muscle aches/ joint pain, GI symptoms (vomiting / diarrhea)  
    • If you have one symptom from the first list or two symptoms from the second list students are required to isolate from school for 5 days. In addition, all symptoms must be resolved or be mostly improved for over a period of 24 hours before returning (48 hours for GI symptoms). If symptoms are not resolved (or mostly improved for cold symptoms) within the 5 days of isolation, then the isolation is extended until they are. (Please Note: the date the first symptom is experienced is considered Day 0 by NRPH and day 1 will start the next day.)
    • If a student has one symptom from the second list students must remain home until their symptom is resolved (or mostly improving for 24 hours – 48 hours for GI symptoms). Please note: the 48 hours for GI symptoms begins after the symptoms have resolved without the use of medication.
  1. My child is off with one symptom from the second list of symptoms. What happens if they develop a second symptom from list two or a symptom from list one?
    • If your child is off with one symptom and they are waiting for the symptom to resolve to return to school and a second symptoms develops while off, then the child is now isolating for 5 days. The start date for the isolation begins on day after the first symptoms developed.
    • Both symptoms do need to be resolved (or mostly resolved) for the 24 or 48-hour period prior to returning.

       

  1. Do I have to self-isolate again if have returned to school after a self-isolation and developed a new symptom a few days later?
    • If you have completed isolation due to symptoms, and are able to return to school/ childcare, and develop a new or worsening of the previous symptoms you are required to begin a new self-isolation period again.
  1. If my child takes a Rapid test or PCR test, can they return before the 5-day isolation period is over?
    • If the individual receives two (2) negative rapid test 24 – 48 hours apart and have not been part of a dismissed cohort, they may return sooner than the 5-day isolation period with symptom improvement.
    • Otherwise, they must complete their isolation period.
  1. We decided to take a rapid test or PCR test do we need to inform the office of these results?
    • Yes, if you have access to a rapid test or PCR testing you are required to share your results with the office. Please date the rapid test and send a picture to the office for verification of your results.
  1. If my child has previously tested positive for COVID-19, do any of the guidelines change?
    • Yes, if an individual has tested positive in the last 90 days, then they are exempt from the self-isolation requirements.
    • However, if your child develops symptoms of illness during the 90 days they are still required to our regular exclusion policy and stay home for 24 – 48 hours after the symptoms break.
    • Please Note: This exception will only occur if the office has date stamped documentation or have been previously aware of a positive case through written disclosure or contact tracing.
  1. Will we be informed of a positive COVID case in our child’s class or only if the school’s absenteeism is over 30%?

     

    • If an individual receives a positive rapid result or PCR test it must be reported to the office.
    • Any positive cases will be communicated to the class or school via email keeping the identity of the positive individual confidential.
    • In addition, if the school happens to reach a 30% absenteeism Pathways will report to the NRPH.
  1. If my child or a household family member test positive for COVID-19, do I have to notify the office?
    • Yes, we have a limited supply of RAT’s for our school community. If you are requiring RAT for your household, please contact the office.
    • This allows the office to give you the current regulations regarding isolation and mask wearing requirements. It also, allows us to record the date so that you are able to be exempt from certain requirements for the 90-day period following a COVID infection.
  1. Does Pathways supply Rapid Antigen tests (RAT) to families?
    • Yes, we have a limited supply of RAT’s for our school community. If you are requiring RAT for your household, please contact the office.

This allows the office to give you the current regulations regarding isolation and mask wearing requirements. It also, allows us to record the date so that you are able to be exempt from certain requirements for the 90-day period following a COVID infection. https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19/self-isolation.aspx

Updated: July 14, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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