Public health authorities in Peel Region, Ontario, Canada, released guidelines for children whose classmate has received a positive COVID-19 test result. Children without symptoms were to be put in solitary isolation at home, separated from their family members if possible, reportedly under the threat of a steep fine. The policy has since been described by an expert as “cruel punishment”. Amid significant public backlash, the infographic, described by Peel’s chief health official as not reflective of their real intentions, was recalled.
Last week, the infographic originally published on the Peel Health website called for schoolchildren to self-isolate away from their family members if one of their classmates received a positive COVID-19 test result, even if the child does not have any symptoms. It called for the child to stay and eat in a separate room, use a separate bathroom, and observe ‘social distancing’ guidelines when leaving the room becomes necessary.
Hellbound and Down 
