Many parents have been anxious since they received from their school service center the new directives for the isolation of children under 12 in the event of symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. Should we keep our brats at home at the slightest runny nose? Rapid screening tests – difficult to obtain – will they be necessary to lift the isolation? The duty attempts to answer your questions.
Self-isolate for one or more symptoms?
This is the big question. In its documentation, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) speaks of isolation when the child presents “symptoms”. Does this mean that a student can go to daycare or school with a runny nose?
Verification made with the MSSS, yes, a child can go to class with a runny nose, provided that it is only his only symptom. However, he must isolate himself if he presents a second one. His family bubble too. “Obviously, if the sudden symptoms are cough, fever, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell, only one [symptôme] enough [pour s’isoler] “, specifies the MSSS in an email.
When do you take a rapid test?
If a child has a symptom such as cough, fever, sore throat or loss of taste or smell, they should undergo a rapid screening test immediately, indicates the MSSS. Same thing if he has at least two symptoms similar to COVID-19: runny nose, great fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, etc.
If the first test is negative, the child must undergo a second one 24 to 36 hours after the first. In the meantime, he must remain isolated (his family too). If the second test is negative and his symptoms improve (no fever for at least 24 hours), he can return to school.
But what if we don’t have a quick test on hand?
The child who does not have a rapid test must isolate himself for five days from the onset of symptoms, according to the MSSS. He must undergo a rapid diagnostic test on day 5. If the latter is negative and the child’s symptoms improve (no fever for at least 24 hours), he can return to class.
But what if we still don’t have a rapid test on day 5? The isolation must be extended for another five days. Isolation can be lifted with two negative rapid tests 24 hours apart between days 6 and 10.
What if the test is positive?
When the test is positive, the child and their family must self-isolate for five days from the onset of symptoms. The young person must perform a rapid screening test on the last day of isolation, i.e. the 5th. If the latter proves negative, the student can return to class, but the symptoms must have subsided and the fever has ceased for at least 24 hours. When the test is still positive, the isolation must be extended for the next 5 days. Isolation can be lifted with two negative rapid tests 24 hours apart between days 6 and 10.
For ages 12 and up
Like those under 12, adolescents who have one or more symptoms similar to COVID-19 must undergo a rapid screening test immediately. If it’s negative, they have to do a second one 24 to 36 hours after the first one.
The rules vary according to the vaccination status in the event of a positive test or lack of access to a rapid screening test, according to the MSSS. If the young person is adequately vaccinated, he must isolate himself for five days in the event of a positive test or lack of access to a rapid screening test. He can then return to his class (if no fever for 24 hours and improvement in symptoms), but he must keep his distance from others and wear a mask (which is compulsory at all times in class anyway). If he is unvaccinated, he must self-isolate for ten days after the onset of symptoms.