Algoma Public Health says some schools in the Algoma district reported absenteeism higher than 30 per cent last week.
APH collects data on illness-related student absenteeism daily from local school boards when the rate of absenteeism is 30 per cent or higher.
Kristy Harper, manager of School Health for APH, told SooToday there is extraordinary pressure on the paediatric healthcare system in Ontario due to a triple threat of three viruses — COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.
"Paediatric hospitals are reporting record numbers of children needing care and admission to the ICU because of breathing difficulties from one or more of these viral illnesses," said Harper.
Under Ontario's Health Protection and Promotion Act, public health agencies are required to conduct surveillance of infectious diseases of public health importance.
"With Algoma residents staying home when sick, and with a higher number of respiratory illnesses circulating, school absenteeism is expected," said Harper. "In the previous week, [fewer] than five schools in the Algoma district reported absenteeism higher than 30 per cent."
APH is in contact with those schools and will advise if further public health measures are recommended, she said.
Among its recommendations, APH says wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and in crowded places such as shopping malls, schools, childcare settings, arenas and grocery stores, can help to play a part in protecting yourself and the broader community. APH also recommends staying home when sick and keeping kids home from school when they are sick, as well as regularly washing hands and commonly touched surfaces.