COVID-19

RSGC's Health & Safety Plan

Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan

The health, safety and overall wellness of our students, staff and their families is our guiding priority. All of our decisions have been underpinned by a commitment to this. All of our plans allow us the flexibility to transition quickly to alternate learning models as government regulations and changing health conditions in the school, the city or the province evolve.

Our commitment to the values and mission of the College is unwavering. Whatever school looks like, the promise of our faculty and staff to know and love our boys remains.

Please stay tuned to this page for our plans and protocols that ensure the health and safety of our students and staff during the 2021-2022 school year. It is constantly changing to stay aligned with Toronto Public Health, so please bookmark this page and check back frequently.

Measures to Reduce Risk

RSGC will continue to follow guidance and best practices recommended from Public Health authorities with respect to controlling the spread of infectious disease. We have consulted with, and taken recommendations from, medical professionals, facilities design professionals and mechanical engineering professionals to ensure that we are taking measures to alter and enhance our environment to be as safe as possible. Education and training for all members of our community is a top priority and will take place prior to returning to school and re-opening to students.
 

Vaccination Policy

List of 1 items.

  • Mandatory Vaccines

    RSGC has implemented a mandatory vaccine policy. RSGC requires that all those intending to be present on campus, and are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved vaccine, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes all faculty and staff, as well as all eligible students. as students 12 and up, volunteers and visitors to campus.

    Recognizing that the eligibility for vaccination of our Grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 students has emerged during the school year, we have determined that the deadline for these students to be fully vaccinated will be August 15, 2022. Please note that an individual is not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after their second dose. 
     
    In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, our policy for both students and staff allows for applications for an exemption for documented medical reasons. Accommodation may be considered for any member of our community requiring an exemption to the policy, supported by a physician’s note. Regularly administered rapid at-home testing, among other provisions, are part of our accommodation plan.

    This policy decision is a key part of the school’s carefully developed and extensive COVID-19 protocols, which include screening of staff and students, mandatory wearing of face masks, distancing, use of outdoor space, hand hygiene, cleaning protocols, extensive upgrades to our ventilation and other safety measures.

    Proof of vaccination must be submitted through the MyMedbot app.

Rapid Screening

RSGC will be working with Creative Destruction Lab's Rapid Screening Consortium to implement voluntary and mandatory antigen screening. Rapid antigen screening is now sufficient to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis. Positive rapid antigen tests will no longer require PCR confirmation. Rapid screening in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccination and public health measures will help prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in the school community. 
This screening will be for Grades 3 to 6 students who have not yet received both doses of a Government of Canada approved vaccine and staff on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and voluntary for any other staff who want to participate. It is non-invasive and self-administered at home. The results are immediate and are uploaded to a designated app. All results are kept strictly confidential, in compliance with RSGC's privacy policy. Age-appropriate training will be provided. 
Upon our return to campus, twice-weekly rapid antigen screening will be in place for all adults working on-site at RSGC. 
Students not yet fully vaccinated in Grades 3 to 6 will continue to be asked to screen twice per week at home using the rapid antigen screening kits they should have. For students in Grades 7 to 12, five additional screening kits will be distributed when we return to campus. In accordance with the provincial guidelines, we’d ask families to save the new set of screening devices to be used only if their son is symptomatic.
Through our partnership with SickKids, we do have a limited number of self-collecting PCR tests available through our Health Centre. These will be distributed by our Registered Nurse for use by symptomatic students or on-site educators.

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: What is Rapid Antigen Screening?

    Rapid antigen screening can detect the infection by COVID-19 in asymptomatic people in a matter of minutes, helping to proactively identify cases, which reduces the risk of further infection. The screening product we are using produces results in 15-20 minutes.

    Rapid antigen screening is now sufficient to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis. Positive rapid antigen tests will no longer require PCR confirmation.

  • Q: What screening test will be used on me?

    Rapid antigen tests are only slightly less sensitive than PCR tests. Rapid antigen screening is now sufficient to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis. Positive rapid antigen tests will no longer require PCR confirmation.

    The objective of rapid screening is to find as many infectious people as possible to isolate and stop the spread of the virus. For this purpose, antigen testing is very effective. This pilot is an extra layer of protection added to the processes already in place at RSGC to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Q: I heard that antigen tests aren’t as good as PCR tests. Is this true?

    RSGC will be using the Abbott Panbio Device. It has been reviewed and approved for use by Health Canada. This screen uses a nasal swab for specimen collection and produces a result in about 15-20 minutes. More information on the Abbott Panbio device is available here.

  • Q: How do I get tested?

    This pilot will be mandatory for all members working with and in the Grades 3-6 cohorts. As well, it will be made available to any interested staff members. These rapid screens will be provided to people through the school and will be completed at home prior to arriving on campus. Each participant will be required to complete two tests per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and self-report results though a designated app. Training will be provided regarding testing and reporting.

  • Q: What do I do if I receive a negative screening result?

    You must continue to follow all public health recommendations, local restrictions and RSGC protocols (if on campus). You must continue to physical distance, use a face covering and practice good hand hygiene. A negative screen result is not a diagnosis or confirmation that you are not infected with COVID-19. This testing is for asymptomatic individuals only.

  • Q: What happens if my screen is invalid?

    If your screening returns an invalid result, you should complete a second rapid test at that point. Invalid tests occur in approximately 1% of all screens.

  • Q: Should I be doing the test if I am displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19?

    No. The test is to be done by asymptomatic individuals only. If you are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you should isolate yourself immediately and follow the province’s isolation guidelines.

  • Q: What if I have previously been infected with and recovered from COVID-19?

    If you have been previously diagnosed with and cleared of COVID-19 infection, you may resume asymptomatic screening testing after 90 days from your COVID-19 infection (based on the date of your positive result).

  • Q: Can I participate in the pilot if I am fully vaccinated by one of the Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccinations?

    Yes. Even if you have received your vaccination, interested employees are encouraged to participate in the pilot program. This allows for data collection to better inform wider re-opening of activities in a school setting. 
     
    While the Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccinations provide protection, research has shown that fully vaccinated individuals can still acquire and transmit the COVID-19 virus to individuals that are not vaccinated.

  • Q: Are false positives or negatives common with antigen tests?

    False positives are very uncommon with the rapid antigen screens that Health Canada has approved. Less than 1% of positive antigen screens turn out to be a false positive after the person receives a PCR test. False negatives are slightly more common.

  • Q: What do I do if I receive a positive screening result?

    The school nurse will conduct an investigation with you to determine close contacts at RSGC if you were on campus 14 days prior to your test. The investigation will be conducted with strict confidentiality.

Revised Mask Policy

We are requiring that all students, regardless of vaccination status, wear a 3-ply mask. Students in Grades 3 to 6 may wear a well-fitting, 3-ply cloth mask or a pediatric-sized 3-layer disposable mask; while students in Grades 7 to 12 must have a 3-layer disposable mask. Cloth masks may only be worn layered with disposable masks. Faculty and Staff on campus will be provided and required to wear N95 masks.
Students may continue to wear disposable medical-grade or cloth masks (Grade 3 to 6); however a switch to superior fitting and filtering masks is recommended for all students"
Please note for cloth masks, two layers should be a tightly woven material fabric such as cotton or linen and the third middle layer should be a filter-type fabric such as non-woven polypropylene fabric.
When worn properly, a face mask must cover both the mouth and nose.
Please send your son with 3 to 5 masks every day. There will be scheduled masks breaks throughout the day. During Phys Ed class, masks may or may not be used depending on the game play. 
Medical grade face masks are mandatory for all staff and faculty on campus. Masks and eye protection (face shield and goggles) will be provided by the school for all faculty and staff on campus. Any student or staff member who chooses to wear a face shield in addition to the required face mask is encouraged to do so. Please note, face shields are not to be used as a replacement for a face mask.

Symptoms of Illness

List of 7 items.

  • Daily Screening

    Screening and adherence to health and safety guidelines are a shared responsibility. Reducing the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses requires diligence on a daily basis. Parents/guardians of students will be required to attest each day that their son(s) are not experiencing symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19. Employees will also need to self-screen.

    We are using the app MyMedBot for pre-screening and ask parents to complete this every morning, even if their son(s) is at home. No adult or student will be admitted onto campus without daily pre-screening.

    The Government of Canada has implemented technology in Ontario through a free app COVID Alert to inform the public about their potential exposure to COVID-19. RSGC strongly encourages the use of this technology by any member of our community who brings a smartphone to school as an effective and efficient means of identifying increased risk of exposure and contact tracing.

    Supply Teachers and Essential Visitors

    Any person who does not have access to MyMedBot such as Supply teachers will answer all prescreening questions in a google form. This form will be kept for a minimum of 30 days. The Supply teacher and/or visitor will be instructed to contact the school nurse if they develop symptoms or test positive 14 days following attendance at RSGC.

    Aramark staff and Angus staff will be responsible for prescreening any outside companies/ workers who may enter the school for any reason. Both Aramark and Angus will keep records of interactions this person has and make sure they pass screening before they enter into any building. Screening requirements will be reviewed by the school nurse to make sure they also adhere to RSGC's pre screening process. Outside workers will be instructed to contact the Angus or Aramark person they worked with while at school.

  • COVID-19 Self-Assessment Flow Charts

    The flow-charts below can be a helpful resource for you and your families to assess whether you should self-isolate due to having symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19. 

    These flow charts have been developed by physicians in Ontario which can help keep our school safe.

    You have symptoms and are concerned you have COVID-19.

    You have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

    You have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and you work in a high-risk setting.

  • Symptoms of Illness at Home

    While conducting a daily screening assessment, any person who identifies a symptom consistent with COVID-19 is not to attend school. Family members of any person experiencing symptoms of illness at home, who also attend RSGC as a student or staff member, are to remain home, not be present at school, and isolate as per provincial guidelines. 

    Symptoms should be monitored at home and if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention and follow the guidance recommended by the medical practitioner. Daily absences are expected to be reported as per usual.

  • Symptoms of Illness at School

    Any person who exhibits symptoms of illness during the school day is to report to the School Nurse for assessment.

    The School’s Registered Nurse will assess the individual and determine the most appropriate course of action to care for the individual. If symptoms of illness are consistent with COVID-19, the Nurse will ensure the individual is cared for in an isolated sick room.

    If the individual is a student, the Nurse will contact the parent or guardian to pick up the student immediately, (within 45 minutes). Any student that is displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be sent home as well as all siblings present at school, where they will be required to follow provincial isolation guidelines. 

    The Nurse will advise the parent or guardian of the student to contact their medical practitioner for consultation of a suspected case of COVID-19. If the individual is an adult, the Nurse will assist in ensuring the adult is picked up/sent home immediately.

  • Returning to School from General Illness

    Any member of the community who experiences symptoms of illness will be expected to follow direction from a medical practitioner and be symptom free of illness (without the use of medication) for a minimum of 24 hours. Please contact the Health Centre for further instructions on returning to school after recovering from general illness.

  • Confirmed Case of COVID-19 Protocol

    Any member of the community who tests positive for COVID-19 is to isolate, rest and recover, and not to return to campus until their isolation period is completed and their symptoms have either improved or resolved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration.  

    RSGC will follow guidance and instruction from Toronto Public Health 


  • Returning to School from COVID-19

    Returning to school from an absence due either a confirmed case, suspected case, or close contact exposure of COVID-19 will require an individual to have fully completed their isolation based on provincial guidelines. Their symptoms must have also either improved or resolved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration, before returning. 

    Please see the “COVID-19 SELF-ASSESSMENT FLOW CHARTS” above for more details. Please contact the Health Centre for further instruction on returning to school if needed. 

Altered Daily Routines

List of 5 items.

  • Hand Hygiene

    We know that the practice of frequent and proper hand washing is the most effective means of eliminating the spread of germs, including COVID-19. Practicing proper hand hygiene will be expected by all members of the RSGC community throughout the day. Hand hygiene breaks will occur frequently and students will be reminded verbally about proper hand hygiene protocol. Hands should also be washed before and after mask removal. Illustrated signage will serve as reminders as well. Handwashing stations and additional washroom facilities have been placed throughout the school to allow for increased use and convenience. When hand washing with soap and water is not possible, hand sanitizer may be used. Hand sanitizing stations, containing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) as recommended by Public Health, have been installed throughout the school in strategic locations to ensure optimal use.

    Please refer to the following video from the Government of Canada regarding the practise of proper hand washing.

    In addition to practicing hand hygiene and proper respiratory etiquette, it continues to be important to avoid touching the face.

    For example, hands should be washed or sanitized:

    • After using the restroom
    • Before entering and leaving the classroom
    • Before and after mask removal
    • Before and after eating
    • After touching frequently touched areas
    • Before and after touching your face
    • After being outdoors or in physical education

  • Visitors to Campus

    Only students and employees will be allowed on campus. Regretfully, we will not be able to welcome visitors, including parents and guardians, into our buildings.

  • Designated Entry Points and Staggered Start Times

    Prior to returning to campus, students will be advised of designated entry points to the school, hallways, corridors and stairways, and designated washroom facilities. The use of designated areas is important to reduce the number of contacts in a given area and will be important for contact tracing if needed. Staggered start times will also manage the number of people in a given area at any one time.

  • Physical Distancing

    Physical distancing of two metres will be encouraged in all classrooms during the school day. Smaller class sizes, cohorting of students and classroom redesign have all been implemented to ensure there is space available to encourage physical distancing. Room capacities will be set based on provincial guidance. All cohorts have their own entrances into and exits from their classroom areas.

  • Cleaning and Sanitization

    Increased housekeeping staff will be available during the day for ongoing surface cleaning in each of our buildings. Housekeeping staff have been trained in the best disinfection protocols and safety methods to help prevent the transmission of viruses. Electrostatic sprayers allow for rapid sanitization of classrooms during the day. All of our buildings will have a thorough deep cleaning after school hours each day.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment that is appropriate for daily use in a school setting includes the use of face masks, face shields and gloves, for source control.


List of 3 items.

  • Face Masks and Face Shields

    We require that all staff and students wear a 3-ply mask. Students in Grades 3 to 6 may wear a well-fitting, 3-ply cloth mask or a pediatric-sized 3-layer disposable mask; while students in Grades 7 to 12 must have a 3-layer disposable mask. Cloth masks may only be worn layered with disposable masks.

    Please note for cloth masks, two layers should be a tightly woven material fabric such as cotton or linen and the third middle layer should be a filter-type fabric such as non-woven polypropylene fabric.

    When worn properly, a face mask must cover both the mouth and nose.

    Please send your son with 3 to 5 masks every day.     There will be scheduled masks breaks throughout the day. During Phys Ed class, masks may or may not be used depending on the game play. 

    Medical grade face masks are mandatory for all staff and faculty on campus. Masks and eye protection (face shield and goggles) will be provided by the school for all faculty and staff on campus. Any student or staff member who chooses to wear a face shield in addition to the required face mask is encouraged to do so. Please note, face shields are not to be used as a replacement for a face mask. 

  • Classroom Supplies

    All classrooms on campus are equipped with a stock of protective supplies for daily use including: single use gloves, alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations, tissues and single use disinfectant wipes.

  • Emergency Containment Kits

    All classrooms are also supplied with an emergency containment ‘kit’ to be used in case of illness, where exposure to COVID-19 is a possibility. Items in the emergency kit include; medical-grade face masks, single use gloves, eye protection/face shield, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, a gown, disinfectant cleaning supplies and waste disposal bags.

    Specialized training for faculty and staff regarding proper use of personal protective equipment and emergency kit supplies has occured prior to the start of school.

Questions?

We want to hear from you with any questions you have about health, safety and returning to school. We’ll do our best to provide answers. Please send your email to the School Nurse and your question will be addressed as soon as possible.

Travel Guidelines

Please review the travel guidance issued by the Government of Canada. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated youth under 12 years of age, who have travelled out of the country, cannot attend school for 14 days.
 
This document was recently updated to include the following restrictions and measures for vaccinated travellers:
 
Fully vaccinated travellers who have been in any country other than Canada and the United States in the 14 days prior to entry to Canada may be selected for arrival testing. They must quarantine in a suitable place until they receive a negative test result. If they’re selected for arrival testing, they may take connecting flights to their place of quarantine. The Government of Canada is increasing the number of fully vaccinated travellers being selected for testing to reach 100% of vaccinated travellers in the coming weeks.

Public Health Agencies

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    • COVID| Health and Safety Graphic

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Royal St. George's College

120 Howland Ave | Toronto, ON | M5R 3B5
416-533-9481 
info@rsgc.on.ca

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Royal St. George's College is an independent school for boys located in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The school admits boys from Grades 3 through 12. Our mission is to challenge and inspire each of our students to become the best version of himself.