COVID-19: What You Need to Know:
A new update was provided by the province on August 24, 2021
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 fourth wave is a reality and government and public health officials are responding with guidelines that promote safe and supportive school communities. The following are some highlights of the announcement:
· Vaccines will not be mandated for staff or students over the age of 12 that could be vaccinated. The government will focus on sharing credible scientific information to encourage greater vaccination levels across the province.
· To start this school year, all school staff and visitors are required to wear masks indoors.
· Grades 4 – 12 are required to wear masks indoors and on school busses.
· Strict physical distancing guidelines (cohorts and 2 meters personal space) will be replaced by practices that respect personal space through effective utilization of school space and student movement. There will be no Ministry prescribed cohorts.
· There will be baseline PHO orders that will apply across the province but local health authorities may also activate medical health orders that reflect their region’s context and public health experience.
· Cleaning protocols will more closely resemble pre-pandemic practices. Regulations on building ventilation remain similar with updates on the best practice for safe air movement.
· Extra-curricular school activities will resume and will be governed by the wider provincial or local health authority orders.
Proof of vaccination does not apply to K-12 schools.
The Ministry is working with public health officials to clarify how the measures will apply to gatherings and events in K-12 schools attended by parents, families, and the public. More information will be available in the near future.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 fourth wave is a reality and government and public health officials are responding with guidelines that promote safe and supportive school communities. The following are some highlights of the announcement:
· Vaccines will not be mandated for staff or students over the age of 12 that could be vaccinated. The government will focus on sharing credible scientific information to encourage greater vaccination levels across the province.
· To start this school year, all school staff and visitors are required to wear masks indoors.
· Grades 4 – 12 are required to wear masks indoors and on school busses.
· Strict physical distancing guidelines (cohorts and 2 meters personal space) will be replaced by practices that respect personal space through effective utilization of school space and student movement. There will be no Ministry prescribed cohorts.
· There will be baseline PHO orders that will apply across the province but local health authorities may also activate medical health orders that reflect their region’s context and public health experience.
· Cleaning protocols will more closely resemble pre-pandemic practices. Regulations on building ventilation remain similar with updates on the best practice for safe air movement.
· Extra-curricular school activities will resume and will be governed by the wider provincial or local health authority orders.
Proof of vaccination does not apply to K-12 schools.
The Ministry is working with public health officials to clarify how the measures will apply to gatherings and events in K-12 schools attended by parents, families, and the public. More information will be available in the near future.
British Columbia K-12 Health Check
Students or their parents can utilize this health check tool to make the best decision on whether to attend school
Students or their parents can utilize this health check tool to make the best decision on whether to attend school
Expanded Provincial Health Officer Order - Updated August 24, 2021
The Provincial Health Officer issued an order for all individuals, places of work and businesses in BC to significantly reduce their level of social interactions and travel.
The Provincial Health Officer issued an order for all individuals, places of work and businesses in BC to significantly reduce their level of social interactions and travel.
Provincial COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings - Updated August 24, 2021
Guidelines outlining principles and requirements for maintaining safe learning environments.
Guidelines outlining principles and requirements for maintaining safe learning environments.
BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool
Utilize this tool to determine if you require further testing for COVID-19
Utilize this tool to determine if you require further testing for COVID-19
COVID-19 Resources
Impact of School Closures Study
Impact of School Closures Study
For more information, please utilize these websites:
Vancouver Coastal Health
BC Center for Disease Control
Vancouver Coastal Health
BC Center for Disease Control
