Asymptomatic COVID-19 tests now available at some Waterloo region schools

High school and elementary students at select schools in Waterloo region are noweligible to get a COVID-19 test if they want to.

The Region of Waterloo Public Health worked with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and theWaterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) to identify high priority areas for asymptomatic testing.

Testing is on a voluntary basis.

This comes afterthe Ministry of Education announced on Feb.16 thatschool boards in the province must provide asymptomatic targettesting in at least fiveper cent of their elementary and secondary schools.

Schools are asked to provideasymptomatic testingto at least twoper centof their student population every week.

"This means twoschools per week, until all schools have had the opportunity to participate in testing," the WCDSB said on its website.

"Testing will be available for approximately six school communities a week," said the WRDSBon its website.

WRDSB addstesting will take place duringweekends and after school and that schools will be in touch with families when testing is available in their area.

WCDSB said dates, times, and locations are still being determined.

Schools with WRDSB

WRDSB said targeted testing will begin this week for schools inthe Kingsdale and Victoria Hills areas in Kitchener. Those schools are:

• AR Kaufman Public School
• Eastwood Collegiate Institute
• Empire Public School
• Howard Robertson Public School
• JF Carmichael Public School
• King Edward Public School
• Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute
• Queen Elizabeth Public School
• Queensmount Public School
• Rockway Public School
• Sunnyside Public School
• Westmount Public School
• Wilson Avenue Public School

Schools with WCDSB

Initial target schools for asymptomatic testingwith the WCDSB were identified as:

• Resurrection CSS
• St. John CES
• St. Dominic CES
• Mary's H.S.
• Blessed Sacrament CES
• Our Lady of Grace CES
• St. Bernadette CES
• St. Daniel CES
• Doyle CSS
• Holy Spirit CES
• Gregory CES
• St. Vincent de Paul CES