Two Hamilton schools trying rapid COVID-19 testing this weekend
- Michael Kras
- 12 Feb 2021
In an effort to enhance health & safety measures as schools in Hamilton return to in-person learning, local public health has teamed up with Hamilton’s public and Catholic school boards to offer targeted rapid COVID-19 testing at two local schools this weekend.
On Saturday, February 13th from 9 am to 4 pm, rapid COVID-19 testing will be offered at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School as well as Orchard Park Secondary School, available exclusively to asymptomatic students and staff of those schools.
Testing is entirely on a voluntary basis, and also accommodates asymptomatic students and staff from neighbourhood schools Eastdale Elementary and Winona Elementary who can register themselves for rapid COVID-19 testing.
City of Hamilton Public Health Services is working together with the @HWDSB & @HWCDSB to offer targeted rapid COVID-19 testing for eligible asymptomatic students & staff at two local schools on Saturday, February 13.
Release>> https://t.co/4jog2Pi3i7 #HamOnt
— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) February 12, 2021
These schools were chosen for this COVID-19 rapid testing initiative because they are located in Hamilton neighbourhoods where testing uptake is low amid higher COVID-19 rates, and where there has been some history of COVID-19 outbreaks in schools.
The testing doesn’t apply to students or staff who have recently been advised by Hamilton public health to self-isolate or seek testing at one of the city’s testing centres, or to students who are in full-time virtual learning rather than in-person classes.
This pilot project will allow Hamilton public health and the local school boards to look at ways in which this rapid testing can be integrated into schools going forward.
“We as a community recognize the importance of the return to in-person learning for our students in Hamilton. Along with other vital health and safety measures, such as daily screening, masking and increased hand hygiene, targeted asymptomatic testing at our schools is an added tool we may use where relevant for our community,” says Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s medical officer of health.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with our school board partners and the Ontario government to support the recommended enhanced health and safety measures to help safeguard our schools and community as we move forward.”
Read more on the city website.
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