Beginning March 11, asymptomatic COVID-19 testing will begin to become available to specific schools within the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
The testing is voluntary and consent will be required. Testing is for asymptomatic individuals only (i.e. not showing/experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms). To check for COVID-19 symptoms, use the provincial screening tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please call an assessment centre to book a test.
The measure of asymptomatic testing within schools has been directed by the Ministry of Education to ensure that our school remains safe for all to learn and work in. Asymptomatic testing is an important layer of protection that helps to track and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Increased testing may also help to reduce stress and anxiety related to the virus by identifying cases early and avoiding outbreaks.
Testing Schedule
When a school has been identified for asymptomatic testing, all staff, students and their families will be provided with information on the allocated testing times, locations and information on how to register. This information will be provided directly to families by the school.
Testing Vendor
The asymptomatic testing will be conducted and managed by LifeLabs and will take place in a designated “hub” school each week.
LifeLabs, Canada’s largest medical laboratory, will be providing the free COVID-19 testing for all students and their family members, teachers, and staff. COVID-19 testing is voluntary and only for asymptomatic individuals (those who are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.) The test process is very simple and safe and the collection site will be staffed by professionals who will be following a multitude of safety parameters. LifeLabs uses a swab similar to a Q-tip that is inserted into the front part of the nostril and rotated for fifteen seconds (per nostril). After the sample is collected, the test results will then be available within 24-48 hours on LifeLabs WorkClear Thrive application. If an OHIP number has been provided at the time of check-in/registration results will also be uploaded to covid19results.ehealthontario.ca.
For more information about the testing, please review the FAQ from LifeLabs below:
- Parent/Guardian FAQ: https://lifelabs.azureedge.net/lifelabs-wp-cdn/2021/02/LifeLabs-Testing-in-Schools-FAQ-for-Parents-Registration.pdf
Thank you for helping us keep the Wellington Catholic community safe and healthy so that we can avoid any further disruption from the COVID-19 virus!