May 14, 2021
Public health officials has updated the self-isolation rules for Kindergarten to Grade 12 education providers (all teachers, administrators, and support staff), who have been directed to self-isolate because a member of their household is either awaiting a COVID-19 test result or a member of their household is a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
What has Changed?
Under the previous rules, close contacts linked to a Variant of Concern (VOC) case were required to self-isolate. Now that VOCs account for approximately 50 per cent of all new COVID-19 cases, public health now treats all cases as if they have a VOC.
Current Self-Isolation Rules
Under the updated rules, current as of May 14, K-12 education providers can continue to work as long as:
- They always wear a medical mask. Any breaks where the mask is removed should be done in isolation of staff and students.
- They have no symptoms themselves.
- The close contact, if the household member is a close contact, has no symptoms and can self isolate within the home.
Please note, these exemptions do not apply in situations where the educator is awaiting a COVID-19 test result or has been deemed to be a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. In these situations, the individual must self-isolate — there are no exceptions.