A message regarding the distribution of rapid test kits.
The Ministry of Education and public health have directed school districts to distribute COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits to all Grade 8-12 students for use in the home setting under the supervision of a parent. Our school has now received these test kits and we will be sending them home with students on Monday March 7. Please contact us by Friday March 4 if you do not wish to have a test kit provided to your child(ren) to bring home to you.
While the test kits provided to school districts are approved by Health Canada, please note that a recent bulletin from Health Canada advises that rapid antigen test kits and solutions should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. As such, test kits for elementary students will be distributed directly to parents.
Each student will receive one box containing five rapid antigen tests with instructions included in every box. The tests should only be used when a student has symptoms of COVID-19. Asymptomatic screening is not recommended by public health and tests distributed to students should not be used for asymptomatic screening programs (e.g., travel requirements or proof of wellness for unvaccinated people).
For further information and instruction translation, please see the rapid antigen at-home test instructions letter to families.