York Region Public Health said it's expecting another wave of COVID-19 in the fall and tells families what to expect in a back to school letter.
"Unfortunately, the pandemic is not yet over. This summer we experienced a seventh wave which impacted millions of Ontarians and continues to strain our health system. It is difficult to predict the future of this pandemic, but hearing from experts, we can expect another wave of COVID-19 in the late fall," the letter said.
It also said that with the lifting of masking, capacity limits and other pandemic measures, "we expect to see other common seasonal viruses we were used to seeing before the pandemic. Distancing and masking were effective for COVID-19 but were also effective against other respiratory viruses."
These viruses are generally mild in both children and adults, but York Region said when they spread quickly to many people at the same time they can present a challenge to individuals and the health-care system.
To help prevent the spread of illnesses in schools, the region offered advice on screening, testing, masking, immunizations and more.
Families are asked to complete the online screening tool daily before sending their child to school or child care. If kids have any symptoms, whether it's gastrointestinal or respiratory, they are told to stay home, even if they test negative for COVID-19.
In terms of testing, public health said rapid antigen tests can be used for people who are symptomatic and are available for free at various grocery stores and pharmacies. However, it said, "As a reminder, a single negative rapid antigen test in a person with symptoms does not mean they do not have COVID-19. It is recommended people with COVID-19 symptoms complete two tests, 24 to 48 hours apart, if their first test is negative."
Masks are not mandatory for students, staff or visitors but public health said anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 case or is recovering from an infection should wear a mask in public settings, like a school. It also said that masks are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses and people can still choose to where them for protection.
Public health also suggested that masking may be recommended again moving forward.
"Additional measures like masking may be encouraged or recommended again if a new variant emerges or if the levels of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses show a concerning increase, especially in the winter months," the letter said.
It also talked about immunizations. COVID-19 vaccines are available at public health clinics in York Region and have been approved for children aged six months and older.
"We encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine as part of your safe back-to-school plan," public health said.
On top of COVID-19 vaccines, the region will be resuming regular in school immunization programs for students in Grade 7 and up. Clinics for Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus and Meningococcal immunizations will resume in late-September to help students catch up. More information about tis program will be available later in the fall, the letter said.
Students and families are also reminded of the importance of proper handwashing and covering your cough or sneeze to help prevent the spread of germs.
"We would like to remind everyone to show kindness and consideration to others. This fall presents another opportunity for families to lead by example and show respect for each other’s personal decisions and comfort levels," public health said.
The first day of school for most students in York Region is Wednesday, Sept. 7.
