2 Hamilton schools to do targeted, rapid COVID-19 testing on Saturday

Asymptomatic students and staff from two in Hamilton will be offered targeted, rapid COVID-19 testing on Saturday.

Hamilton Public Health Services says Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School (1824 Rymal Rd. E.) and Orchard Park Secondary School (200 Dewitt Rd.) will offer the testing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Only students and staff from both of these schools can receive the testing. Also, asymptomatic students and staff from Eastdale Elementary School and Winona Elementary School can get tested at Orchard Park.

"These areas were identified as neighbourhoods where the uptake of testing is low, COVID-19 rates are higher and there has been a history of school outbreak," the city said in a media release.

"The targeted testing initiative is voluntary and does not apply to any students or staff who have recently been advised by Hamilton Public Health Services to self-isolate or get COVID-testing at a local assessment centre, or for students who are enrolled in full-time online learning."

4th student COVID-19 case in 4 days 

This comes as Hamilton has seen four cases of COVID-19 in the four days since schools resumed in-person learning.

The latest case came on Thursday after a student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School tested positive.

"School administrators will contact any students or staff identified as close contacts, who will self-isolate for 14 days," read a release from the school board.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city's medical officer of health, previously said public health will use the asymptomatic testing to investigate cases where cohorts are dismissed. Public health is considering other ways the testing can be useful.

While the province and many health officials have said schools aren't vectors for the virus, asymptomatic testing was used in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa late last year. It revealed an outbreak involving more than 20 cases was discovered at Thorncliffe Park Public School in Toronto, the first school where the program was deployed.

March Break moved to April

This also follows Ontario's announcement that it will postpone March Break to the week of April 12.

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board acknowledged it may be challenging for students, families and staff.

"It is another change in this unprecedented school year. We recognize that many of us were looking forward to being able to rest and recharge. We know how important this break is, particularly during this year, and look forward to this five-day break in April," the board said in a statement.

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board echoed similar sentiments.

"While we understand that the decision will be disappointing for so many who are in need of a break, we recognize that this difficult decision was necessary to protect our students, staff and families, and to ensure that our schools remain open for in-person learning. Our schools can only stay open if we continue our efforts to reduce community transmission of COVID-19."

Sandy Shaw, NDP MPP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, said while the new student cases of COVID-19 are concerning, moving March Break isn't enough.

"Now #MarchBreak is delayed but no plan from @Sflecce," she tweeted.

She's calling for comprehensive in-school testing, class sizes capped at 15 students and paid sick days to allow infected people to stay home.