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Toronto Public Health will notify parents of any COVID-19 case in their school

Thestar.com
Sept. 10, 2020
Jennifer Pagliaro

Toronto Public Health will notify parents of any case of COVID-19 in their child’s school and publish information publicly about school-related outbreaks.

On Wednesday, Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s medical officer, said parents will soon receive a written package through their schools about those plans and more.

“I think there will be quite a bit of communication because we’re trying to make sure altogether that our school communities and parents are aware of what’s happening so they can inform themselves in a manner that they can take appropriate actions to protect their own health and the health of their families,” de Villa said at a press conference at city hall.

De Villa confirmed all parents will receive a communication from TPH when there is a case identified in their school. The identity of the student or staff infected will be kept private because it is considered personal health information.

Schools are also arranging to provide their own reports to the school community as well, de Villa said -- possibly through their school or board website.

De Villa warned that “a case at your child’s school doesn’t necessarily mean there is widespread infection.” And public health officials have said even a school outbreak wouldn’t necessarily mean a school closure. The province defines an outbreak as two or more lab-confirmed cases within a 14-day period with at least one case connected to the school, including busing and after school programs.

De Villa said in the early stages of investigation it’s likely a cohort connected to the case would be considered close contacts and be sent home, but that other students could continue learning in the classroom with plans in place to limit spread within schools.

Those who test positive will not be able to return to school until after a 14-day isolation period. Those who are close contacts, including in the same cohort, may also be required to self-isolate.

De Villa said there are now 200 TPH staff dedicated to schools -- both a liaison team supporting infection control plans in place by the boards following provincial rules and a dedicated team of case and contact management staff who will trace suspected and confirmed cases linked to schools.

That work includes speaking to the student and parents or staff member about who they have been in contact with to determine how they may have contracted the virus and who may have been at risk of getting it from them.

De Villa said parents can help TPH by proactively keeping children who don’t feel well at home in the first place. She also stressed that parents should make sure their child’s vaccines are up-to-date, including getting the flu vaccine this fall.

“Opening schools for in-class learning is a significant test of how we handle the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said board of health chair Coun. Joe Cressy in an emailed statement. “That’s why it is crucial that we do everything we can to get it right.”

TPH is also working to make information about school-related outbreaks available to the general public. Where and how that information will be shared was not yet available.