Dear Families:
The Government of Ontario is providing take-home rapid antigen testing kits for students in publicly-funded schools to promote a safer return to school after the December break. These kits have been delivered to schools of Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
The rapid antigen tests are being offered to any student attending in-person learning, regardless of their vaccination status. The tests are not available to students who are learning through the HPEDSB Virtual School.
Use of these tests is voluntary and is a family decision. Students are not required to participate in order to return to school in January. Test results are not collected and are only for families.
Although providing students with rapid tests is an important tool to manage the spread of COVID-19, public health authorities are clear that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the virus and its variants. Ensuring that students are vaccinated will provide them with a strong level of protection, and help to keep schools open and as safe as possible. Vaccinations are a family choice.
It is also important for everyone to continue with key public health strategies that have been effective in keeping the pandemic under control, including staying at home when sick, getting tested if symptoms are present, washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask.
Schools will be distributing test kits to students this week. Please refer to the attached Instructions for Using the Rapid Antigen Test Kit from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education. Instructions for Using the Rapid Antigen Test Kit
As always if you have questions about your child's learning, please contact their teacher or principal.
Thank you for your continued support of your child's school and your assistance in doing all you can to help keep everyone safe.
From all of us at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to your family, we wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Sincerely,
Katherine MacIver