COVID-19 School and Childcare Information

Call 905-974-9848
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Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) has consulted with Hamilton school boards during the pandemic and we will continue to work together throughout this 2022-2023 school year by supporting the safe return to school following the directions and guidelines developed by the Ministry of Health.
Maintaining layered protective health measures are important strategies within schools to reduce the likelihood of and protect others from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses. These protective health measures include staying home when you have any symptoms of infectious illness, getting your flu shot and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination, wearing a well-fitted mask in all indoor settings, and implementing proper hand and respiratory hygiene.
Health & safety measures in schools
Schools have the responsibility to ensure that staff and student health, safety and well-being are protected and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illness are in place. HPHS will provide support and guidance as necessary should specific health and safety measures are reintroduced as advised by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete the student screening tool. Your child should stay home when sick until their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), and no fever is present.
No, individuals with any symptoms of respiratory illness should self-isolate until symptoms have been improving for at least 24 (or 48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), and no fever is present.
No, they do not need to stay at home and may attend school. Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including school and childcare) for 10 days after testing positive. If symptoms begin to develop, self-isolate immediately and follow the guidance from the screening tool. The screening tool provides guidance for individuals who tested positive but asymptomatic.
If your child has been identified as a close contact but does not have symptoms, they do not need to isolate. Follow the instructions for close contacts. If symptoms begin to develop, please complete the student screening tool here before they attend school.
No, you do not need a note from your doctor or proof of a negative test before your child returns to school/ childcare.
Complete the student screening tool. Your child should stay home for 10 days and until their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), and no fever is present.