The local health unit says it publicly announce any outbreaks of COVID in a news release and update the outbreak list and COVID-19 cases page on its website.
The same will apply to childcare centres.
It comes after Premier Doug Ford promised Wednesday to publicly disclose COVID-19 infection rates in the province’s schools and allow municipalities to reimpose public health restrictions if needed.
The pledge for greater transparency comes as the province begins to reopen its schools over the next two weeks for the first time during the pandemic.
An outbreak in a school is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in students or staff in a school with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school, including transportation and before or after school care.
Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 14 days, or until they receive a negative test result for COVID-19. In line with routine COVID-19 case management, within 24 hours of the Health Unit receiving notice of a positive test, close contacts – someone who was at risk of exposure – of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are contacted by the Health Unit.
Where schools have websites, they will be asked to create a COVID-19 advisory section . . . Notice of any closures of classes, cohorts, or schools will be posted on school and school board COVID-19 advisory sections.
"While we are experiencing very low levels of COVID-19, we need to continue to follow public health measures," says a news release.
"Keeping the levels of COVID-19 low within our communities will significantly help to reduce the risk to students and educators, and make the return-to-school safer and successful for all."
The public is encouraged to continue to practice public health measures, including physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing or sanitizing hands often, and coughing or sneezing into your sleeve.
Parents who have questions about schools can speak to a public health nurse by calling 1-800-563-2808.
With files from Global News,