COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness Information for Schools, Child Cares and Families

Last Edited/Reviewed: October 4, 2024

Staff and students should complete the Self-assessment if they have any symptoms of illness 

As of November 2022, masking is no longer mandated by the Ontario Government. However, we know that masking reduces the risk of spreading illness. Children aged two to five should only wear a mask with supervision if they can safely tolerate masking and can put it on and take it off. 

Reducing Disease Transmission 

• Stay home if feeling unwell 
• Room Ventilation – use outdoor spaces and open windows as often as possible 
• Masking – foster respectful, welcoming and inclusive environments for individuals who choose to wear, or not to wear, a mask 
• Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette- Appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette should continue to be promoted and integrated throughout the day. 
• Vaccination – Vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza continues to be highly encouraged for eligible children and staff. For more information, visit our webpage.  

Health and Safety Measures 

• Ontario COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures at Child Care Centres 
• Ontario COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures at Schools 
• Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario 
• Before and After School Programs Kindergarten to Grade 6: Policies and Guidelines for Schools Boards 

Handouts and Posters 

• Child-Student with Symptoms – Sept 2022 (French version) 
• Helping Your Child Reduce the Spread of Illness 
• Reducing the Spread of Illness in Child Care- Oct 2022 
• Cough and Sneeze?(Poster) 
• Handwashing for Kids 
• Handsanitizing for Kids 

Stories for Children 

• Coronavirus: A Book for Children,?(free download), published by Nosy Crow 
• Coronavirus Indigenous Story for Children, (free download), Cree Health 
• My Hero is You, (free storybook for children on COVID-19, in multiple languages)