Dear Parents/Guardians,
We hope that you remain well. The Ministry of Education has requested all school boards in Ontario share the following information with regard to the Province’s plan for COVID-19 testing.
Thank you.
Message from the Ministry of Education
We are writing to let you know that the province released its testing plan on Friday, May 29, 2020, . Ontario now has the most open testing criteria in the country.
Ontario’s testing guidance now indicates that you should visit an assessment centre if you:
- have at least one of the
- do not have symptoms but are concerned you might have been exposed
- do not have symptoms but think you are at risk through your employment (for example, if you are an essential or health care worker)
- would like to be tested
To support Ontarians who have identified the need to get tested, as of May 24, 2020, people will no longer need a referral to go to any of the more than 130 assessment centres across Ontario for testing. No Ontarian will be declined a test.
Given this expanded guidance, if you do choose to get tested, here are a few important notes:
- Testing is voluntary.
- You do not need an OHIP card to be tested. It is a free service.
- Some assessment centres may require you to book an appointment first or have certain restrictions (for example, some are unable to test young children). .
- You can also take an online to help determine if you should get tested.
- If you are free of symptoms and have not had contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 when presenting for testing, you will not be required to self-isolate. However, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days regardless of your test result. If you begin to develop symptoms, self-isolate and contact your local public health unit for further advice.
Stay informed and visit Ontario’s to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. Local information is also available from your .