Update from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health

Posted On Monday November 14, 2022

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced today that he is strongly recommending the use of masks in all indoor spaces across Ontario, including in schools and childcare facilities. Ontario and Durham Region are currently experiencing an early increase of respiratory illnesses (RSV, the flu and COVID-19) in children this year.  

We are sharing with you the following measures that the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario has recommended so that you are fully informed:  

  • Students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while at school, on the bus, and at childcare. Members of the public are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in an indoor space. Three-ply cloth masks for students have been provided by the Ontario government and are available for students upon request.  

  • Complete the daily school screening for signs of illness and ensure your child stays home if they are sick. 

  • Get a bivalent COVID-19 booster shot if you are over 12 years of age and it has been six months since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose. To book an appointment please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Portal (durhamvaccinebooking.ca).  For more information about the vaccines, please visit COVID-19 Vaccines - Region of Durham

  • Get your flu shot. Flu shots are widely available through a variety of locations including your health care provider and in participating pharmacies. Flu shots may safely be given at the same time, or at any time before or after COVID-19 vaccine. Find out more at ontario.ca/flu­. 

  • Regularly wash your hands, cover your coughs, avoid touching your face and keep common touched surfaces clean. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices continue to take place in DDSB schools. 

The DDSB continues to be in contact with the Durham Region Health Department and we are following their most current guidance to support health and safety at school and work. Thank you for your consideration of those in our community who could become impacted by the respiratory illnesses that are going around and for working together with us and our school teams to help stay safe.