March 1, 2022 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As communicated in the Superintendent's Report of February 24, 2022, rapid antigen tests for K-12 students have begun to arrive in schools.  

While these rapid antigen test kits are approved by Health Canada and have been deemed safe and effective when used as intended, on February 24, 2022, Health Canada issued a bulletin regarding “potential risks associated with the misuse or accidental ingestion or spillage of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit solutions on the skin".

On February 25, 2022, the Ministry of Education suggested that out of an abundance of caution  due to this potential risk, elementary schools should arrange for any further distribution of rapid antigen test kits directly to parents/guardians (instead of students). Secondary school students will continue to receive their test kits directly. 

We recognize some elementary families have already received their test kits as they were distributed by some schools prior to Health Canada issuing the bulletin. We encourage these families, and all families, to please read updated information from the BCCDC about the safe and proper use of test kits, including:

These kits are safe and effective for self-testing at home – be sure to read the package instructions carefully. As with many medications and at-home care products, please note the following:

• These kits are to be handled and administered by adults 
• Do not swallow the solutions, and avoid eye and skin contact
• Wash hands thoroughly after use
• Please keep the test components out of reach of children and animals
• Used tests and components can be safely disposed of in household garbage

Families of K-7 students who have yet to receive their allotment of rapid antigen test kits can expect to receive additional information directly from their school about the test kit pickup. We expect this will take place over the next several weeks as some schools have not yet received their test kits.

Should you have any questions or concerns with the information shared, please contact your child's school directly.

With appreciation,

Mark Pearmain
Superintendent of Schools​