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LAST UPDATED: September 27, 2022

The BC Ministry of Health has confirmed that schools continue to be considered low-risk settings for COVID-19 transmission, particularly in the context of a highly immunized population.

You may view or download the updated Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Settings or visit the COVID 19 Safe Schools  page for infomation related to return to school plans for the coming year. 

Stay Home if Sick

Students and staff must continue to monitor their health daily to ensure they are not experiencing symptoms of illness (including but not limited to COVID-19 symptoms) and should stay home if they are sick or unable to participate fully in routine activities. If your child has symptoms that may be COVID-19, use the online self-assessment tool. The BC Centre for Disease Control provides guidance on self-isolation, including when one can end self-isolation after a COVID-19 infection.

Families must also continue to follow federal requirements for international travel. For most up-to-date information on travel and quarantine requirements, visit https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid

Hand Hygiene

Students and staff will have ready access to hand sanitizer or operating sinks, soap, and paper towels. Hand hygiene signage has been placed throughout all district facilities. Alcohol-based hand sanitizing stations have been strategically located throughout schools and at front entrances of facilities. Faucets are now touchless where possible.

Personal Space

Staff and students should be encouraged to respect the personal space of others (the distance from which a person feels comfortable being next to another person).

Masks

Masks are one layer of protection used to prevent the spread of communicable disease. The decision to wear a mask beyond when it is recommended by public health is a personal one, based on individual preference. The individual choice to wear a mask should be respected.

Those who have travelled outside of Canada must follow federal travel guidance upon their return, which may include wearing a mask.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to preventing the transmission of COVID-19 from contaminated objects and surfaces. Schools are cleaned and disinfected in accordance to the BCCDCs guidelines.

• Regular practices include general cleaning of the premises.
• Items used by multiple students and staff, and frequently touched surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected at least once in a 24 hour period.
• Any visible dirty surface will be cleaned and disinfected.
• Only cleaning and disinfecting supplies provided by the district will be used.
  

Ventilation

The district has ensured that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operated and maintained as per standards and specifications for ongoing comfort for workers (as per part 4 of the OHS Regulation).

Schools with recycled/recirculated air systems had their filters upgraded to finer grain filters. The HVAC systems have increase air exchanges in compliance with ASHRAE and WSBC requirements. Air distribution is managed through building automation control systems.

Vaccines

Public health advises that vaccines are important tools to protect against many serious communicable diseases and encourages all eligible staff and students to ensure they’re up to date on all recommended vaccines for communicable diseases, including COVID-19 vaccines.