Ontario Government launches COVID-19 screening tool for parents and guardians

BY PAUL JUNOR

As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise, the Ontario government came to the decision to launch a COVID-19 screening tool to allay the: fears, concerns and anxieties of many parents/guardians as kids head back to school.

The government’s website (newsontario.ca) promoted this tool in a news release on September 16^th, 2020 that is meant to,” Assist parents, students and staff with the daily assessment of COVID-19 symptoms, and risk factors that are required before attending school.” This tool will enable many Ontarians to be better informed about their children’s health status, to think seriously before leaving their home, and to reduce the risks that they could unknowingly spread the virus.

The Ontario government has hired over 700 nurses that they claim will be working directly in schools to ensure that students’ are safe. This tool will be an extra protection to ensure that there is,” Another layer of prevention that the province is using to protect the health and safety of students, staff and the communities where they live and work.”  This screening tool can be utilized by anyone to ascertain the possibility that he or she has symptoms that are indicative of the COVID-19 virus. It can be used every day before kids leave home to go to school. It is not compulsory and will not be tracked or put those who have symptoms under surveillance. If a student is not comfortable using it, an alternative can be used that is offered by the school board or public health unit.

In addition, the results of the screening are not meant to diagnose someone with COVID-I9. Any medical related questions should be directed toward a health care provider or a trained professional at the public health unit as a priority. Their medical expertise is more important than the preliminary diagnosis of a screening. In fact, the screening results will, “Let parents, students and education staff know whether they should attend school each day or guide-at at-risk individuals to proper resources.”

Anyone who decides to use the screening tool can find it at newsontario.ca.

It starts off by asking that one identify himself or herself as student/parent/guardian/employee/visitor. The next question asks specifically; “Are you currently experiencing any of the symptoms?” It is important to check off the symptoms from the list as it applies. They include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough (that’s new or worsening)
• Making a whistling noise when breathing
• Shortness of breathe
• Sore throat
• Difficult swallowing
• Running nose
• Difficult swallowing
• Stuffy or congested nose
• Loss of taste or smell
• Pink eye
• Headache that’s unusual or long-lasting
• Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain)
• Muscle ache that is unusual or long lasting
• Falling down often (for older people)
• Sluggishness or lack of appetite (for young children and infants)
• Or none of the above

It is important to note that there are many medical conditions that manifest one or more of these symptoms and one should not be quick to self-diagnose.

There are other important questions that are asked with respect to whether one has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It defines close physical contact as: “ Being less than 2 metres in the same room, workspace or area, living in the same home, being in the classroom.” The last question is related to being informed by a public health official that one should isolate.

This COVID-19 school-screening tool is helpful to anyone who wants to stay ahead. It enables someone to be informed if there are any concerns before leaving home to go to school, workplace or outdoors.