The Ontario Government is requiring school boards to offer voluntary, targeted COVID-19 testing sites for asymptomatic staff and students.
Who Can Be Tested?
- Testing is voluntary, and consent is required from parents or guardians.
- Targeted testing is offered only for individuals who are asymptomatic (i.e. not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms).
Voluntary COVID-19 testing is available to:
- All students and their families
- All school staff and their household members
- All Child Care staff and their household members
- All Child Care families
Who Will Administer the Testing?
The Ministry of Education has arranged for the testing to be provided by a third party, LifeLabs. LifeLabs will provide staff and families with the information on how to obtain test results.
About the Test
LifeLabs uses a swab similar to a Q-tip that is inserted into the front part of the nostril and rotated for fifteen seconds (per nostril). Their trained staff will perform the test in a designated space in the school.
Health & Safety Protocols
LifeLabs will ensure that every mobile collection site adheres to the following health and safety protocols:
- PPE for Droplet Precautions will be worn by all staff working in the location
- Enhanced hand hygiene will be followed by the staff conducting the testing
- Hand hygiene for students and staff will be required before and after service is provided
- Disinfecting of the cubicles and chairs will be undertaken before and after each individual tested
- Surgical masks will be provided, if necessary
When and Where Will the Testing Take Place?
During this round of testing, we will expand the testing to allow all HCDSB staff and families to attend any of the testing site locations (i.e. you will not have to attend the site designated for your family of schools). Click here to view the Testing Schedule.
Get Tested
Pre-registration will not be offered for this round of voluntary COVID-19 testing.
If you are interested in getting tested, you are encouraged to walk-in for an appointment at any HCDSB school location during the designated clinic hours.
More Information
More information about the LifeLabs EDU Targeted Testing program is available at: https://www.lifelabs.com/covid-19-updates/covid19-pcr-testing-for-schools/