Q&A: COVID-19 Protocols

covid 19

What is the Board’s plan for dealing with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19?

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board adheres to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU)’s protocols for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. Please refer to the SMDHU website for school procedures and protocols.

If my child has to self-isolate or becomes ill, how will they continue with their school work?

Students and staff who exhibit symptoms  will be required to stay at home.  Teachers will work with parents so that students can stay connected to their classroom, receive work and complete assignments during the isolation period/illness.

Our process for dealing with prolonged absences is not changing as a result of COVID-19. For example, if your child had to miss two weeks of school due to a broken leg, they would continue to connect with their teacher and complete classroom work. The same would apply due to absences related to self-isolation or suspected COVID-19 cases.

Students who are away from school for prolonged periods due to COVID-19 related symptoms, or any other illness or injury, cannot attend the SMCDSB virtual school. The virtual school is separate from your child's home school (with a different teacher and classmates). 

Does the self-assessment need to be completed daily? When will parents be provided with a self-assessment checklist?

Yes. Families are asked to complete the COVID-19 School Screening before sending their child(ren) to the bus stop or school. 

What if my child doesn’t pass the self assessment because they have a cold or a headache? Do they need to stay home?

Yes. If a student or staff member has COVID-19 symptoms that are new or unexplained, they need to stay home from school and  go to an assessment centre to be tested.  As per the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), if the test is negative, individuals can return to work/school 24 hours after symptoms subside, as long as they are not self-isolating for other reasons.

What if my child has a pre-existing condition (e.g., chronic headaches, allergies)?

A test is required if parents notice any new or unexplained symptoms (which can be as minor as a runny nose) present in your child. The Health Unit is advising that if your child suffers from a chronic condition such as season allergies, the removal from school and a COVID-19 test is not necessary.

 



If my child exhibits symptoms and is required to stay home, do siblings also need to stay home?

Any student/staff/visitor who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 must have a COVID-19 test and be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Any household members of person experiencing symptoms are to self-monitor for 14 days. Please use the self-monitor fact sheet as a reference.  All family members should continue to use the COVID-19 School Screening tool to determine whether they should attend school.

This is part of everyone's responsibility to stop the spread and ensure a healthy learning environment for all.