Health and safety measures for the 2021-22 school year
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education, announced Tuesday morning how British Columbia students will return to school in 2020-21.
There will be full time in person classes starting September.
All K-12 staff as well as students in grades 4 and up will be required to wear a mask in indoor spaces.
Extracurricular activities like sports art, performing arts, and music will be part of the curriculum. .
As of this week, the Minister said 72% of 12- 17 year olds have had their first dose of the vaccine. 57% are fully vaccinated.
Other measures to be implemented
- Daily health checks,
- Attendance management, making sure staff of students don't come to school sick
- Hand hygiene
- Enhanced cleaning.
There have also been upgrades to school ventilation systems province wide over the summer break.
Minister Whiteside said $87.5 million has been invested by the Province and Federal Government to specifically improve air quality in schools. The Province has spent according to the Minister 77.5. million to improve air quality in school districts.
According to the Minister 44 or BCs 60 school dis have upgraded their HVAC systems, over 1500 public schools in the province and they are all working on their ventilation systems.
For example, she said the VSB reports all district schools have upgraded their ventilation systems with MERV 13 filters. In addition, the Province is putting $5 million towards Pandemic related mental health, announced last June
Mental health support can be found at the ERASE BC website
Colleges and Universities will also have to follow the guidelines
Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education told reporters people must be vaccinated to live in student housing, to go to a pub, gym, including varsity students, or attend an indoor meeting like joining a choir.
Proof of vaccination will also be required for indoor concerts and sporting events
People must be vaccinated to live in student housing, to go to a pub, gym, including varsity students, or attend an indoor meeting like joining a choir.
Proof of vaccination will also be required for indoor concerts and sporting events
Minister Whiteside said now is the time to et vaccinated.
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