Dear patients,
Please read the following information regarding requests for return to work/school/daycare notes in the setting of COVID-19. Given the overlapping symptoms of most upper respiratory viral infections, we hope that this information is clear and for your ongoing understanding as we navigate the 2020/2021 cold and flu season with the added challenge of COVID-19:
1. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA), the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) and the provincial government have all clearly stated that return notes are NOT required. In general, we are not providing these sorts of notes unless there are specific extenuating circumstances determined by the doctor. We advocate for everyone to follow the return guidelines laid out by public health (see #3 for details).
2. If your organization has specifically requested a note or suggested you see your doctor for "clearance" to return/to state you do not have a COVID-19 infection and the above information is not sufficient, you can forward the requesting organization this link as a starting point: https://www.ontario.ca/page/operational-guidance-covid-19-management-schools
3. Specifically, the excerpt below should provide you and your daycare/school/employer with all needed information to safely return according to public health guidelines!
“While an individual suspected to have COVID-19 is waiting for test results they must be in isolation and cannot attend school in person. The individual can attend school virtually if they feel well enough to participate. Individuals who have had a COVID-19 test because of symptoms, but who test negative should not return to school until at least 24 hours after their symptoms have resolved. Individuals who have traveled out of the country should isolate for 14 days. Where a student or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, the local PHU will be in contact with the school to provide further direction on returning to school. Barriers to return to school, such as requirement of medical notes or proof of negative tests, should be avoided.”
