Students in Ontario will only be eligible for PCR testing if they develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school.

The directive is part of new guidance from the province’s Ministry of Health.

Classes will also no longer be dismissed as a cohort if there’s a positive case and schools won’t be routinely notifying students if a classmate has the virus.

If a student tests positive while they are at school they will need to follow provincial isolation and testing guidelines.

In a statement, Education Minister Stephen Lecce says his government has been preparing for the return of in-class learning by doing as
much as they can to improve ventilation, provide high quality PPE and expand access to vaccinations.

Lecce is scheduled to speak publicly, along with Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, on Wednesday afternoon.

***With files from Casey Kenny