Chair’s Statement on Rapid Antigen Screening
Ontario News Release: Targeted COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening to Keep Students Safe.
Statement from Dawn Danko, Chair of the Board:
“As we work to keep schools open for in-person learning during the fourth wave of the pandemic, we are pleased that the Government of Ontario is making rapid antigen screening tests available for unvaccinated asymptomatic students.
It is important to note that rapid antigen testing will be available in a targeted manner as directed by Hamilton’s Chief Medical Officer of Health in collaboration with HWDSB based on data. Rapid antigen tests are not a substitute for PCR COVID testing for individuals who are symptomatic or a high-risk contact of a positive case.
Public health measures are working, but COVID-19 cases in schools continue to be a risk. At HWDSB, the COVID case count in September was 112 cases, with 11 outbreaks . COVID-19 cases in schools results in many students isolating and shifting to learning from home; we know this has significant impacts on our students, staff and families. As a school system, we continue to support public health efforts and advocate for every measure possible to keep our students and staff healthy and safe. Targeted rapid antigen screening is one more way that we can detect a case of COVID-19 early and potentially slow the spread in our schools.
We will work closely with Hamilton Public Health Services on the criteria, distribution and monitoring of rapid antigen screening where there is an increased risk of COVID transmission. Please watch for further information about rapid antigen testing for students at HWDSB.”
Updated on Tuesday, October 05, 2021.