Changes to Daily COVID-19 Screening - IMPORTANT

It is important to note that for the 2022-23 school year, the questions and symptoms of the Provincial Screening Process may have changed. Staff, parent/guardians, students, visitors and volunteers are encouraged to review the new screening information closely available through Ontario.ca/COVID19 and to screen everyday before leaving for school.

Please do not use any print screening resources that may have been provided during the 2021-22 school year.

Link to the
COVID-19 school and child care screening  

Staff, Student, Visitor and Child Care Screening Self-Assessment

Each day, prior to attending work/school, all individuals(including casual staff) are encouraged to engage in a daily self-assessment through the Province of Ontario’s online COVID-19 School Screening self-assessment.

• Staff: Staff who have not passed the school screening, are feeling unwell or identifying a concern based on the self-assessment, should not report to work.
• Students: Parents/guardians (and students 18+) must complete the Government of Ontario's online COVID-19 school screening tool for each child prior to them attending school each day. Follow the screening tool carefully and the guidance it provides based on your responses. 
• Visitors: All visitors are also encouraged to engage in the self-assessment prior to entering any board site and should not enter if unable to pass the school screening.
• Child Care: Child care providers and their staff are encouraged to follow the same screening process.

When a Student is Sick at School

What is the process when a child is sick (exhibiting even one COVID-19 symptom) at school?

When a student is sick at school (exhibiting one or more COVID-19 symptom), families will be contacted and asked to pick the student up. 

COVID-19 Rapid Tests are available to all families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 at my child’s school?

No student, staff or community messaging takes place.

If there is​ a need for students to self-isolate, can they join an online learning class or course(s)?

No, the remote learning registration period has ended. Please connect with your classroom teacher for assistance with learning materials.

My child has woken up not feeling well, what do I do?

If a student is not feeling well when they wake up, they are encouraged to follow the Government of Ontario's online COVID-19 school screening with a positive result before the student may go to school.

What happens if a student receives a positive rapid test result?

Contact your physician or public health should you require information not found on the Provincial COVID-19 website.

What is a “close contact"?

A close contact is an individual who has been within six feet for more than 15 minutes with some who: has symptoms of COVID-19 (in the period from two days before symptom onset until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation), or has tested positive for COVID-19, but has not had any symptoms (in the two days before the date of specimen collection until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation). Please note classes and cohorts will no longer be dismissed if there are close contacts.

If someone at my child’s school tests positive for COVID-19, does my child need to be tested?

No, you are not required to get a test for your child. Please monitor your child’s symptoms closely and use the provincial screening tool daily to assess your child before they attend school. Please note classes and cohorts will no longer be dismissed if there are close contacts.

My child takes a bus with someone who I heard tested positive for COVID-19. What do I do?

Please monitor your child’s symptoms closely and use the provincial screening tool daily to assess your child before they attend school. Please note classes and cohorts will no longer be dismissed if there are close contacts.

Is extra cleaning taking place in my school?

BHNCDSB follows prescribed and thorough cleaning protocols. All high-touch areas of the school and classrooms will continue to be attended to multiple times each day and the school is thoroughly cleaned each night. Authorized products that kill the COVID-19 virus are utilized and are an effective method of sanitizing.

If a student is sent home due to having COVID-19 symptoms how long do they stay away from school and who tells them it is safe to go back?

Please follow the advice of your physician, public health, or the information not found on the Provincial COVID-19 website.

If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, how long do they stay away from school and who tells them it is safe to go back?

Please follow the advice of your physician, public health, or the information not found on the Provincial COVID-19 website.

I heard someone at my school has COVID-19. Who has symptoms? Who tested positive? Why won’t you tell me?

BHNCDSB and the local public health unit have a duty, under the Personal Health Information and Protection Act, to protect the privacy of patients, including those who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19. All notification of COVID-19 cases and close contacts has ceased at this time.

I know someone has COVID-19, but they’re still going to class at my child’s school. Who do I tell?

Please call the appropriate local health unit and school to report non-compliance of isolation orders.

My doctor said my child needs to be tested for COVID-19. What do I do?

Please follow the guidance of your physician to arrange for testing.

Will you report outbreaks or school closures?

• Reporting requirements have changed. Boards are no longer required to report COVID-19-related absence rates.
• We do continue to work closely with our local public health units who are aware of the localized COVID-19 rates in the community.

I don’t have a family doctor, or my family doctor is not able to see me.

Please use a walk-in clinic or call Telehealth Ontario: Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000 or Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007.

More information for BHNCDSB families residing in Brant or Brantford

Visit the Brant County Health Unit’s website or call 519-753-4937 and press 1. 

More information for BHNCDSB families residing in Haldimand or Norfolk

Visit the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit’s website or call 519-426-6170, ext. 9999.