COVID-19 Update October 2, 2020
Hello again.
Thanks to the parent who let me know that right after I sent out a reminder, that the screening tool changed. Below is a part of the memo we received last night. In addition, the updated screening is attached below. It is expected to be updated on the website today, October 2.
The Ministry of Health has updated the symptoms list and language on school screening. For students and children, the screening tool will now have two sets of questions about symptoms that may yield different next steps depending on which symptoms are selected:
- The first set of questions asks about symptoms such as fever or persistent cough. Students and children with any of these symptoms will still be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a medical provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test.
- The second set of questions asks about other symptoms that are commonly associated with other illnesses, such as a runny nose or headache:
- Students and children with only one of these symptoms will be advised to stay home for 24 hours, after which they can return to school if their symptoms are improving.
- Students and children with two or more of these symptoms will be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a medical provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test.
In addition, the symptom list no longer includes abdominal pain or conjunctivitis (pink eye). The updated symptoms and language have been approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Please note that these changes apply to students and children only. Staff and essential visitors are to continue to use the existing screening criteria and/or make use of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 self assessment tool.
The government’s web-based screening tool will be updated to reflect these changes. The updated tool is expected to be posted on Friday, October 2.
Next is a reminder about when to get tested, again taken from the Ministry of Health memo we received last night.
As per Dr. Yaffe’s statement, individuals are eligible for testing at an assessment centre if they are:
- Showing COVID-19 symptoms;
- Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by their public health unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
- A resident or someone who works in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by their local public health unit; or
- Eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
Best regards,
Paul Tribe
Categories: News