Descriptions sorted by Back to School

It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

According to the CDC, younger children (e.g., preschool or early elementary aged) may be unable to wear a mask properly, particularly for an extended period of time. A recent Rapid Response Report from Alberta Health Services, visible here, found that self-contamination of the hands or face with improper donning and doffing technique was worthy of concern, especially with younger children.
Shouldn’t schools be doing random tests to look for asymptomatic cases?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

There are testing and surveillance guidelines in progress.
Are there certain elements in soaps that must be present to ensure hands are cleaned properly?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

All soaps are composed largely of compounds known as “surfactants”, that have one “hydrophobic” end that attracts oils and fatty substances (such as the outer membrane of bacteria and the outer capsules of enveloped viruses, like SARS CoV-2, the infectious agent behind COVID-19), and a “hyrodphillic” end that attracts water, allowing these oily, fatty substances to be disrupted and washed away with the tap water during hand washing. Provided soap is used, proper hand washing technique and etiquette is the key to ensuring hands are cleaned properly. Please see the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resources for details and recommendations on hand hygiene, here
Would isolation 2 weeks before school starts be recommended to minimize risk? Should children get tested before starting school?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

For guidelines and suggestions on quarantining, self-isolation and general mitigation of COVID-19 spread, please refer to the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks page, visible here. For guidelines on testing, please refer to the Canadian Government’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Symptoms and treatment page, visible here
We received the OCDSB guidance late this afternoon, and there is indication that any unfavourable response to the daily screening questions means that you must keep your child(ren) home. Can we expect (as it was for summer camps) that such questions will include simple cold symptoms?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

Pre-visit screener lists of potential symptoms that would identify patients as ‘positive screeners’ are quite lengthy and most have no idea symptoms listed could potentially symptoms of COVID-19. Public health needs to address these symptom lists. For examples of known symptoms of COVID-19, please refer to the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Symptoms and treatment page, visible here
How to lower the risk of spread during lunch for the kids, when sitting at their desks and wearing no masks and talking/eating with their friends at the desks next to them?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

For tips on controlling the spread of COVID-19, please refer to the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks page, visible here
In terms of social aspects that make digital learning successful, is it with the teacher specifically, other students or both?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

It’s important for the online environment to include ways for children — younger or older — to interact and connect with peers AND their teacher. The best evidence on online learning suggests that more supports for kids online are important. This is something that we can advocate for in our systems of schooling.
Will CHEO do testing for kids on the spectrum who won’t tolerate the nose swab?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

Brewer park CHEO testing only offers a nasopharyngeal swab. A a throat swab is available on Moodie Drive.
Can you elaborate more on kindergarten classes?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

According to the OCDSB, their Early Learning Team is still working on specifics for kindergarten. They are aware of the challenges and needs and will be doing their very best to make the class safe and healthy, and to provide the best version of kindergarten that is possible under the current circumstances.
Does the virus live on surfaces? How will the school clean surfaces, washrooms, shared supplies, etc.?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

Research has demonstrated that coronaviruses are capable of remaining stable on numerous surfaces for considerable amounts of time, ranging from minutes (on paper) to days (on plastic and stainless steel). According to the OCDSB, enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols will be followed in all schools and work locations with special attention paid to high-traffic surfaces. Only approved cleaners and disinfectants will be used, and cleaning staff will receive special training on cleaning and disinfecting practices. For more details on cleaning, please refer to the Health, Safety and Well-Being section of the OCDSB website, visible here
The OCDSB document does not provide a lot of guidance around what schools will do on ventilation and the like. Will it be left to individual schools to figure out?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

A specific document for schools from ASHRAE regarding HVAC is found here
If one of the kids becomes infected, will the school close entirely? Or is there a tolerance level?: It isn’t mandatory for children from Kindergarten to grade 3 to wear masks. I’ve heard masks can become ‘unsafe’ if not worn properly…is there any truth in that?

According to the OCDSB, provincial guidance is being provided on case management, contact tracing, and outbreak protocols. In situations where there are positive cases in schools, the OCDSB will contact Ottawa Public Health, who will conduct investigations on specific situations, identifying close contacts of all involved. Ottawa Public Health can direct some or all students in a class or in a school to stay at home, where there would be a transition to remote learning for that group of students until they can safely return to school. For more details, please refer to the OCDSB’s Frequently Asked Questions page, seen here

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