WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RAPID COVID TESTING IN SCHOOLS

Peel Public Health has offered rapid antigen COVID-19 testing to multiple schools experiencing outbreaks and classroom closures.

On Oct. 28, the Ontario ministries of education and health announced an expansion to the province's COVID-19 testing strategy for schools.

A spokesperson for Peel Public Health said rapid testing was offered to one school in the region and was it in the process of providing tests to three more schools last week. "These schools have met criteria for use around identified outbreaks or multiple cohorts dismissed."

It was added that the public health unit will not disclose details of the specific schools "out of respect for the privacy of the staff,

students and families involved and in accordance with our existing disclosure policy that considers risk to the community."

Currently, Peel Public Health identifies schools at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and offers volun

tary rapid testing for nonexposed children, as screening unvaccinated children who do not show symptoms "provides an additional layer of protection against the virus."

Schools are selected based on multiple student

dismissals and outbreaks, and before or after a school closure.

The spokesperson said for the schools they've already selected, they have enough tests for the entire school for two weeks, twice a week. Interested families receive rapid screening tests kits to be completed at home — the kit itself has five tests.

It's important to note that rapid test should not be used if a child is symptomatic or has been exposed to COVID-19 in the past. In these instances, a PCR test should be taken.

There are seven testing locations in Peel that offer saliva PCR testing.

If a child receives a positive result on their rapid antigen test, the child will need to have this confirmed through a PCR test at a community testing clinic, the spokesperson said.

The health unit also said it is not offering tests to all unvaccinated children because people who are at low risk increases the possibility of false positive tests.

Malon Edwards, communications manager at the Peel District School Board, said since the province's announcement, the board has been working in consultation with Peel Public Health on a plan to implement the targeted COVID-19 rapid antigen screening procedures.

Dufferin-peel Catholic District School Board is working collaboratively with its public health units to help implement this testing measure, said communications manager Bruce Campbell.

"Peel Public Health has indicated that it has already begun to receive rapid antigen test kits from the provincial government and that it is ready to start allocating test kits to DPCDSB schools as warranted. We do not have specific information about the number of kits that may be set aside by PPH to be allocated to DPCDSB schools at this time," Campbell said.