Free take-home COVID-19 tests at Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon schools

Kids at Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon schools are getting an early holiday gift from Peel Public Health (PPH) in the form of free take-home COVID-19 tests.

There will be two types of self-collected COVID-19 tests available for students at Peel Region schools starting in the next couple of weeks.

Rapid antigen COVID-19 test will be available for all students to test at home over the holiday break, while PCR tests will be given to students showing symptoms of the virus.

PPH said the PCR rests will also be provided for kids who are isolating because of COVID-19 exposure at school.

The rapid antigen test should only be used for people without symptoms of COVID-19 during the higher risk time of gathering with family and friends, PPH said in a letter last week.

All tests should be dropped off at a pharmacy that accepts COVID-19 school PCR self-collection kits.

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Students who get a positive result on a rapid antigen test must isolate and get a PCR diagnostic test as soon as possible.

PPH said more information on take home tests will be sent from your school when they become available.

RELATED: Ontario students to get rapid COVID tests over winter break

The province has expanded COVID-19 PCR diagnostic testing at participating pharmacies across Ontario.

You can visit covid-19.ontario.ca to find a pharmacy or testing centre that provides free COVID-19 testing for exposed or symptomatic individuals.

PPH said anyone traveling during the holiday season should take precautions and receive two approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14
days before travelling.

“For all travellers, completing a two-dose primary series of vaccination, obtaining a booster if eligible, and continued vigilance with precautions is recommended regardless of where one might travel within Canada or abroad,” PPH said.

PPH said even though being fully vaccinated offers strong protection from serious illness, the risk for contracting COVID-19 still exists and the impacts of Omicron on vaccine effectiveness “are still unknown.”