The Ministry of Health has just released a revised COVID-19 Screening Tool for Children in School and Child Care and we have also received this guidance from the RCDHU:
In order to avoid putting an impossible demand on Family Physician’s offices and on VTAC, in the event that you or your children become unwell with symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, parents should monitor a child’s illness and keep them out of school or daycare if they are sick. Adults should stay off work if they are sick. The new Ontario screening questionnaire has separated Major symptoms in Question 1 and Minor symptoms in Question 2.
If a person has a Major symptom listed in Question 1 (Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath, Loss of taste/smell) then you WILL need a COVID-19 test and should self-isolate. You can call VTAC 1-844-727-6404 to schedule a COVID-19 test.
However, if you are concerned about how sick you or your child is then you should call your Family Physician. If you do not have a Family Physician or cannot access your Family Physician, then call VTAC to schedule a telephone appointment with a VTAC Family physician. As always, if you feel that you or your child is seriously ill, then call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
If a person has 2 or more Minor symptoms listed in Question 2 (Sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fatigue) then you WILL need a COVID-19 test and should self-isolate. You can call VTAC 1-844-727-6404 to schedule a COVID-19 test.
If a person has just 1 Minor symptom, they should stay home for 24 hours to be monitored to see whether the symptoms get better or worse. If they start to feel better and symptoms are improving, they can return to school/child care when well enough to do so and no COVID-19 testing is needed.
If your child is currently home under the conditions identified above and will now pass the revised screening tool, they may return to school tomorrow.
All staff and essential visitors to schools are reminded to continue to complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces
