Ministry of Education Updates Heading into April Spring Break

As we enter the start of the April Spring Break, we are providing additional information received by the Ministry of Education to assist all in staying safe and healthy over the next few weeks. 

As noted in recent announcements, the province has implemented a province-wide shutdown for four weeks in response to worsening trends in key health indicators across the province.

Earlier this week, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health issued an order that closed WDG schools to in-person learning until at least April 18, with the possibility of an extension if the local COVID-19 situation warrants it. We will continue to keep our community apprised of any developments. 

In light of the recently announced measures, it is more important than ever that we continue to follow health advice over the Spring Break.

Safety Precautions

At this critical point in the pandemic, the following public health measures are crucial to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Socialize with your own household
• Stay home and get tested if you feel ill
• Participate in the targeted asymptomatic testing offered in your school community
• Screen every day, including during spring break, for COVID-19 symptoms before attending school and/or child care (Click here for COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool)
• Practice good hand hygiene habits, masking, and physical distancing.
• Refer to Ontario.ca/covidresponse to learn what public health measures are in place in our community.
• Refrain from travelling.

Asymptomatic targeted testing expansion

For the week of April 12-18, pharmacies that currently offer testing and assessment centres across the province will accept appointments from students and education staff for asymptomatic testing.

• Children attending child care located within schools will also be eligible to access this testing. Please check with your local pharmacy on minimum testing age.
• While students/children can access testing in pharmacies for April 12-18 only, this testing will continue to be available for all staff. Assessment centres are open to students during this week.
• To book an appointment, visit the Covid-19 Testing Locations website, and select “pharmacy” or “assessment centre” as your location type, with the booking details requested.

• In addition to these pharmacies, Shoppers Drug Mart is also able to offer additional in-pharmacy Rapid Antigen Screening for students and staff beginning April 14, 2021 at participating stores (see below).  To book an appointment, please contact the store directly.

The Ministry of Education will also be offering school-based asymptomatic testing clinics in select communities. Information will be sent directly to school communities that are eligible. This is in addition to the pharmacy and assessment centre options. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this testing capacity to have their children tested and to support a safe return to school on April 19. Children attending child care, and child care staff, will also be eligible to access this testing.

 As a reminder, before coming back to school on April 19th, you must screen for COVID-19 symptoms. If your child or anyone in your household is ill, stay home and follow the guidance in the school screener.

By following public health advice, we can all enjoy a safe spring break and continue to work together to help keep our communities safe. 

Have a safe and restful break.

Be safe and be well. 

More:

New Participating Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Pharmacy Testing Locations – Beginning April 14