Schools Reopening Toolkit
Children five to 11-years old are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination
Check out our COVID-19 Vaccines page for answers to your questions and to book an appointment!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Durham Region Health Department is committed to supporting schools in partnership with the local school boards. The following health and safety measures were lifted on March 21, 2022:
- Masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors in schools, school board offices and on student transportation. Many students and staff may choose to continue to wear masks at times and schools are encouraged to promote respectful, welcoming and inclusive practices and communications within their school communities.
- Cohorting and distancing will no longer be required in schools. Assigned seats and cohorting will no longer be required in student transportation.
- Daily on-site confirmation of screening for all students and staff will no longer be required. Staff and students should continue to self-screen every day before attending school.
Health and safety measures remaining in place after this date: Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, ventilation measures, and absence reporting.
Please note, due to the Omicron surges (BA.1.1.and BA.2 sub-variants) Durham Region Health Department strongly recommends that students and staff continue to wear a well-fitted three-layer mask in shared indoor spaces.
Is there a self-assessment required before each school day? | ||||
Yes. All staff and students must self-screen every day before going to school. |
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Personal protective equipment (e.g.: masks, eye protection) | ||||
Although masking is no longer required for students, staff and visitors as of March 21, 2022, many people may choose to continue to wear masks at times and schools are encouraged to promote respectful, welcoming and inclusive practices and communications within their school communities. Please note, due to the Omicron surges (BA.1.1.and BA.2 sub-variants) Durham Region Health Department strongly recommends that students and staff continue to wear a well-fitted three-layer mask in shared indoor spaces. |
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Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette | ||||
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Screening, symptoms, and testing | ||||
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Student COVID-19 vaccinations | ||||
Protect students and the school community from COVID-19. Children 5+ are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. |
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Will there be grade 7 and 8 school-based vaccine clinics for the 2021-2022 school year? | ||||
Travel outside of Canada | ||||
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Credible resources
Health Department fact sheets |
Government guidance documents |
Public Health Agency of Canada COVID-19 information in other languages |
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Local school boards
For specific reopening information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit your school board's website:
- Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)
- Durham District School Board (DDSB)
- Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB)
- Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB)
- Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde
For private schools, colleges and universities, please refer to your school website.
Connect with us
Visit our COVID-19 Update page for additional resident and health-related information.
Durham Health Connection Line is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911.
Signage and resources

This is a mask-friendly environment

Tips for choosing a proper mask

Keep safe while using a mask

Cover your cough (French)

Wearing a mask 101

COVID-19 symptoms and screening for schools

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19

Proper handwashing (English)
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