Testing for COVID-19

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, improve attendance rates, and to continue to support our school communities, HWDSB is pleased to offer rapid antigen test kits for symptomatic students and staff.

In alignment with the updated testing guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, individuals may use rapid antigen tests if they are experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19. The tests are intended to be taken home and only used when someone is symptomatic at home.

Each test kit contains two RATs, which are provided to all in-person students, all staff in contact with students who cannot physically distance and all childcare staff and students.

This testing option is voluntary for students, children, and staff. If a symptomatic individual chooses not to participate, they are presumed positive and should isolate immediately and follow updated testing guidance.

Please read the information below carefully, if choosing to participate. 

When to Use a Take-home Rapid Antigen Screening Kit:

For individuals choosing to participate in this testing option, they must display symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19. As outlined in the updated guidance, this includes:

• Fever and/or chills; OR
• Cough; OR
• Shortness of breath; OR
• Decrease or loss of taste or smell; OR
• Two or more of:
  • runny nose/nasal congestion
  • headache
  • extreme fatigue
  • sore throat
  • muscle aches/joint pain
  • gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e., vomiting or diarrhea)

Symptomatic individuals must complete the rapid antigen tests at home.

If the first RAT test is positive there is no need to use the second test. A positive RAT is highly indicative that the individual has COVID-19. A positive RAT does NOT need to be confirmed with a PCR test. Positive RAT tests do NOT need to be reported to the public health unit, school, or childcare

If the first RAT test is negative complete the second test separated by 24-48 hours.

Using the Take-home Rapid Antigen Screening Kit:

There are three types of rapid antigen tests that are being distributed by the province. Please see the links below for instructions on how to use each variety:

• BTXN Rapid Response™
• SD Biosensor
• Trimedic FaStep®
• How-to video

Important note: Parents or guardians may choose to administer this screening on children who may need help (i.e., younger children).

What to do after your test:

• You will know the outcome of the test within 15 minutes.
• If the first rapid antigen test is positive, there is no need to use the second test. A positive rapid antigen test is highly indicative that the individual has COVID-19. Positive rapid antigen tests do NOT need to be reported to the public health unit, school, or childcare.
• If the first rapid antigen test is negative, complete the second test within 24-48 hours of the first test. If two consecutive rapid antigen tests, separated by 24-48 hours, are both negative, the symptomatic individual is less likely to have COVID-19 infection, and the individual should isolate until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms are present).
• If the individual who tests positive is fully vaccinated or 11 years of age or younger, they must self-isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset and until their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration.
• If the individual who tests positive is 12 years of age or older and is either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, they must self-isolate for 10 days from symptom onset or from the date of their test (whichever was earlier).
• If the individual who tests positive is immune compromised (regardless of age and vaccination status) they must self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date of their test (whichever came sooner).
  • If symptoms persist / worsen, individuals are encouraged to seek advice from Telehealth or their health care provider.
    • Please note in alignment with updated testing guidance, there is no confirmatory PCR test required if an individual tests positive. For more information about what to do if you receive a positive test results, please refer to this guidance.

In an effort to provide access to tests and to continue to support our schools, students, staff, and families, HWDSB is pleased to be able to work in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health to deliver a PCR self-collection testing option.

The PCR self-collection testing option will provide access for students and staff who become symptomatic during the school day and are required to isolate. Please note your participation and usage of the PCR self-collection kit is voluntary.

Using the PCR Self-Collection Kit:

• A PCR kit is offered (depending on availability) to a staff member or student if they experience the following symptoms while at school: any one of fever and/or chills, cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell; OR any two of runny nose, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aces, GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea).
• If the student or staff member experience only a single symptom of runny nose, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aces, GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), will not receive a test kit and may return to school after symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for GI symptoms).
• A negative result will allow the individual to exit isolation if symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for GI symptoms). Household members may exit isolation as well.
• Supply of PCR kits are limited in schools.
• Please use the PCR self-collection kit on the morning before you drop it off at a participating community location. A collected specimen has a 24-hour shelf life, and it is very important that the specimen is collected the same morning that it is dropped-off.
• How-to collect specimen video.
• Ensure that you have completed all the required information on the test requisition and the specimen tube.
  • Label the specimen tube with the date of collection, your full name and either your Health Card Number (required for accessing results online) or date of birth.
  • Complete all required fields of the COVID-19 test requisition.
  • To find a community location in your area, please visit COVID-19 testing locations. Note that this website is updated on an ongoing basis.
• Accessing your results:
  • If you provided your Health Card Number and all required patient information in the test requisition form, your test results will be accessible here. Results are usually available within two days of your specimen being dropped off.
  • Please follow current direction from Public Health on isolation requirements. For information on COVID-19 symptoms, exposure or illness please go to ca/coronavirus and see the section Protect Yourself and Others.