Local public health officials say they are working on criteria to help guide them in deciding which schools and child care centres would benefit most from rapid COVID-19 testing.
The province announced a new rapid antigen screening program earlier this week targeting schools and child care settings deemed to be at higher risk for spread of the virus. The program is meant to target kids who are unvaccinated and asymptomatic.
The province did not, however, lay out a specific framework for deciding which schools and students should be targeted.
"We are currently working with the province and other health units on more specific criteria that can be used to identify which schools and child care centres may benefit from having this additional screening tool," said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo Public Health.
The health unit is also working with the local school boards and child care providers on how to implement rapid antigen screening if and when necessary.
As for the requirement for kids to be asymptomatic in order to receive the testing, the health unit says the tests are not meant to give a kid with symptoms the green light to return to class.
"I know some parents are wondering if this could replace taking their child to a testing centre especially if [the symptoms] are mild, it cannot," said Dr. Wang. "Anyone who has symptoms needs to get a lab-based PCR test at one of the testing centres."
Dr. Wang says the tests are also not meant to be used to test high-risk contacts of a confirmed case who have been sent home.
"These high-risk contacts also need to obtain a lab-based PCR test at one of the testing centres," she said.
The health unit is also making it clear, rapid antigen testing is an additional safety measure and is not meant to replace other public health measures currently in place. The health unit also says the tests may not be rolled out immediately.
"At this time, we do not have any school or child care facilities where we have concerns about an elevated risk or ongoing risk of spread," Dr. Wang said. "However, we want to be ready so that these tests are available if and when they be recommended."
Region planning for which schools, daycares will receive rapid COVID-19 testing - KitchenerToday.com
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