Report: Asymptomatic testing suggests schools not spreading COVID-19
by Michael Ranger
Last Updated Dec 18, 2020 at 11:38 am EDT
The same week the province put school boards on notice about a possible extended winter break, a new report is suggesting that schools are not to blame for the spread of COVID-19.
The Toronto Star is reporting that asymptomatic testing in schools across the province is highlighting the fact that students are not catching the virus while attending class.
Around 3,600 tests were conducted in Toronto, York, Peel and Ottawa with only 57 bringing positive results. That makes a test positivity rate of less than 2 per cent.
TORONTO Officials have uncovered at least 57 positive COVID-19 cases in Ontario schools through the use of asymptomatic testing of students, staff and their families, the government confirms. In late November, the Progressive Conservatives announced they would be starting voluntary, asymptomatic COVID-19 testing at certain schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Peel Region and York Region four areas most impacted by the disease at the time. They said the targets would be chosen in consultation with school boards. All students, staff and teachers within those schools would have the option to receive the on-site testing. In some cases, families will also be allowed to be tested.
12 TDSB schools closed for COVID-19 outbreaks
by Michael Ranger
Last Updated Dec 17, 2020 at 7:20 am EDT
A grade six class room is shown at Hunter s Glen Junior Public School which is part of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scarborough, Ont., on Monday, September 14, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Another Toronto District School Board (TDSB) building has been closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak as schools ready for the holiday break on Friday.
Toronto Public Health has advised TDSB to shut down Nelson Mandela Park Public School.
The
TDSB COVID advisory page lists three infections among students and three infections among staff at the Regent Park school.
2 more TDSB schools shut down following COVID-19 investigations
by Michael Ranger
Last Updated Dec 15, 2020 at 3:34 pm EDT
Toronto District School Board building. (CITYNEWS/FILE)
Public health investigations into COVID-19 cases has now led to the shutdown of two more schools within the Toronto District School Board.
Toronto Public Health has advised the board to close Humber Summit Middle School, located in the area of Islington and Finch Avenues and Clairlea Public School in Scarborough.
The
TDSB COVID advisory page lists two infections among students and two infections among staff at Humber Summit. The page says three cases are resolved at the school.
TORONTO Secondary students with the York Catholic District School Board will be moved to remote learning only for the final three days of instruction before the holiday break. The board says that a “cohort flip” was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, meaning that students would begin attending in-person classes with a new cohort of classmates that they had previously been learning online with. The board, however, says that it has decided to begin the new cohort schedule remotely “so that students and staff will not be exposed to additional contacts prior to Christmas.” The change is not expected to impact instruction at YCDSB elementary schools.