December 15th, 2021

Dear Howard Robertson Families,

In an effort to promote a safer return to the classroom after the winter break, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, Howard Robertson Public School is pleased to be able to provide take-home rapid antigen screening kits to every child.

Rapid Antigen Screening Kits will be coming home: Friday December 17, 2021

Please note, your child’s participation in this rapid antigen screening is voluntary.

Please read the important information below prior to using the rapid antigen screening kit.

It is recommended students conduct the rapid antigen tests every 3-4 days over the holiday break, on every Monday and Thursday beginning December 23, until all five tests have been used.

Anyone with symptoms or who is identified as a close contact of a case should still get PCR testing.

Please follow the instructions provided with the kits. A letter with more information will accompany the kits.

What to do after your test:

You will know the outcome of the test within 15 minutes. Even if your child tests negative, they should continue to adhere to all relevant public health guidance, such as guidance on gathering, distancing, and masking.

A positive result on a rapid antigen screening test is considered a preliminary positive. A child that receives a positive result on a rapid antigen screening test should seek a confirmatory PCR test as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours) at a local testing site or pharmacy that offers testing and isolate themselves until the result of that confirmatory PCR test are known.