The information on this page is meant to support parents, caregivers, and families in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and the flu, in our communities.
To prevent the spread of infections, it is important to stay home when sick.
Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. There are measures we can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community. Each measure provides an added layer of protection.
Learn more about measures to protect yourself and others and other school health resources.
Use the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Self-Assessment Tool if you are sick or have any symptoms of illness or tested positive for COVID-19, to see what to do next. The self-assessment is also available in French .
You can also download Toronto Public Health’s screening poster.
Consider completing Ontario Ministry of Health’s Self-Assessment Tool for your child if they are sick or have symptoms of illness.
There are many reasons children/students may have symptoms that are not related to COVID-19 or another respiratory infection. Examples include:
Children/students with a known long-term health issue that is medically diagnosed and unrelated to a respiratory virus should look for new, different or worsening symptoms. If the child/student has a long-term health issue and symptoms are getting worse, they should stay home and speak to a health care provider or seek medical attention.
A close contact is someone who is living with or exposed to someone who tested positive or has symptoms while that person was contagious. Someone is contagious from 48 hours before symptoms start or their test date (whichever came first), until they complete their self-isolation.
Your child is a close contact if:
OR
In the community, it is the responsibility of the individual with COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 positive test to determine who their close contacts are and to notify them of their potential exposure.
Learn more about what is a close contact in the community (also available in French).
Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu, can cause serious illness, especially to children under five years of age.
Complete a daily symptom check for your child. Keep your child home if they have symptoms, even mild ones, and until they are feeling better and pass the daily Self-Screening Questionnaire.
Here are some ways to provide care and support for a sick child:
Speak to a healthcare provider or call 811 (Health Connect Ontario) if you have questions about your child’s health.
Seek medical attention if your child has any of the following:
Learn more about how to prevent further spread of respiratory viruses.
Anyone six months and older should stay up to date with their vaccinations for the best protection from serious illness or hospitalization.
Resource
As respiratory virus activity increases this fall, a well-fitted, high-quality mask in crowded indoor settings with poor ventilation, may be important, especially for those who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Learn more about face masks and respirators, including qualities of a good mask.
Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations for the best protection against getting very sick from COVID-19. Everyone ages six months and over can get the COVID-19 and other vaccines at the same time.
Visit COVID-19 Vaccines for Infants, Children & Youth webpage to learn about COVID-19 vaccines vaccine safety and benefits and having a positive vaccine experience. Learn about vaccine safety and benefits, specialized accommodations/clinics, and how to talk to your child about getting the vaccine.
Our COVID-19 vaccine resources (also available in French ) can be shared so youth can learn about COVID-19 vaccines and find answers to common questions.
Routine immunization for children and youth is still important during COVID-19. Learn more about routine childhood vaccines and visit the Childhood Vaccines – Quick Reference Guide webpage.