First Nation Education Partners COVID-19 Health Supports (PPE) Ordering Update

First Nation Education Partners

Further to the memo sent on January 5, 2022, we would like to share some updated information regarding the process for First Nation education partners requesting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing options. We are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Consumer and Government Services, the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Affairs Ontario to provide you with guidance on how to access PPE. Further to this we have confirmed that First Nation Schools and partners can now request non fit-tested N95 masks for school staff through the ongoing PPE process.

HEPA Units and Filters

We are aware that there are a number of requests around the availability of HEPA units and filters for First Nations schools. We are carefully tracking these inquiries and are working closely with our ministry partner to have this information to you as soon as possible in the coming days.

Rapid Antigen Tests 

Requests for priority access to Rapid Tests can be submitted by following these three steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility using the Provincial Antigen Screening Program: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/provincial-antigen-screening-program.

• • Provide your organization/community’s contact information and submit an application.

1. Place an order for Rapid Antigen Tests using the E-Health Online Ordering Portal by identifying the number of individual tests you are requesting and ensure that item selected is “Rapid Tests” and not “Swab Kit” at: https://ehealthontario.on.ca/en/health-care-professionals/ppe-intake?a=ppe-intake. 

1. When placing your order, please identify order as a First Nation school or federally-operated school. After you submit your order through the portal, please notify Indigenous Affairs Ontario at IndigenousTestKits@Ontario.ca of your request. IAO will work with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to expedite and fulfill your request.

PCR Testing

With the increase in Omicron cases, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are not recommended for children in schools and child care and will not be provided by the province at this time. If you already received PCR tests, as an interim approach, they can continue to be distributed while rapid antigen tests are deployed. As this is an interim testing option, additional allocations of PCR self-collection kits cannot be provided.

Please note that those who identify as First Nations, are still able to access PCR tests including education staff, these should be accessed through the local First Nation Health Authority.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including N95 Masks

Regular PPE (surgical masks, sanitizers, gloves, and protective eyeglasses, and non fit-tested N95s etc)

 Please continue to submit your request for regular PPE using the Pre-Order Request Form and send the completed form to SCO.Supplies@ontario.ca and copy us at ieo@ontario.ca.

Below is the complete list of regular PPE for your reference:

Shipping Time:  The current average shipping time for PPE orders is between 5-10 business days, however given the present volume of requests, this timeline may be extended.

As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch through IEO@Ontario.ca with any questions.

Sincerely,

Denise Dwyer

Denise Dwyer
Assistant Deputy Minister

If you have any accommodation needs or require communication supports or alternate formats, please let me know.