Provincial government says Ontario students will receive rapid COVID tests during winter break

Students in Ontario will take home five rapid antigen COVID-19 tests for their December break.

The provincial government announced details of its winter testing plan today, such as the holiday plans for students.

“By expanding testing options over the winter holiday, putting in place additional safety measures and returning to normal timetabling, we are taking action to ensure schools reopen safely while supporting a more positive learning environment for students,” said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce.

All publicly-funded schools will receive the 11 million tests over the next month.

All private and First Nation schools have also been asked if they would like to access take-home PCR self-collection kits.

Students who choose to participate in the voluntary program will be advised to take tests every three to four days over the holiday break starting Dec. 23.

Students will be able to drop off their specimens at a community location, including participating pharmacies across Ontario.

In regards to post-secondary students, the provincial government says high schools are permitted to resume regular semesters beginning February.

Government officials say school boards can make the change sooner if their local public health unit supports their decision.

Multiple school boards have asked to shy away from “modified semesters,” which saw students take four courses each term, alternating which two classes they had each week.

“We are happy to see the timetable change as a positive step towards the student experience within schools. We plan to continue our line of communication, to ensure that students’ voices are at the forefront of any changes being made throughout the year,” said Keith Baybayon, president of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association.

The government is also planning pop-up testing clinics in high-traffic public spaces, such as holiday markets, malls and retail stores. This will allow people to be tested during the busy holiday season.

Starting Thursday, up to 600 pharmacies were to begin training to offer COVID-19 testing to everyone eligible, including people with symptoms, with plans to eventually expand to up to 1,300 pharmacy sites.