Masks for more students among measures announced by BC Government

Starting on Monday all students in schools across the province will be wearing masks, whether in the classroom, walking the halls or on a school bus.

The expansion of the guidelines which were already in place for students from grades 4 to 12 were announced at Friday morning information session featuring Doctor Bonnie Henry and Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside. 

BC Education Minister
Jennifer Whiteside

The new measures are part of a provincial response to growing concerns from parents and guardians across the province.

“In-person learning is crucial for the social and educational well-being of students. The health and safety guidelines in our schools were developed under the guidance and direction of the Public Health Office (PHO) and BC Centre for Disease Control to allow children to safely attend school on a full-time, in-person basis. 

We know there is a high level of concern among some parents, students, teachers and boards of education, especially in regions of B.C. where transmission rates are higher. We are listening to the concerns of people and, on the advice of the provincial health officer, taking further action so that families, students and staff feel secure.”

BC Public Health officer
Doctor Bonnie Henry

Dr Henry for her part observed as to the ever changing nature of the pandemic and the challenges it provides towards putting measures in place.

“This pandemic continues to evolve and so do we. We need to make changes to fit the situation as it's arising. We know the COVID-19 virus is being transmitted more rapidly, particularly to those who don’t have the protection that vaccination offers. 

This extra measure adds another layer of protection as we navigate this phase of the pandemic.”

More on today's updated measures can be reviewed here.

You can review the Friday information session from the video below:

The province has also provided a link to the range of guidelines for the K-12 setting which you can review here.

Locally, updated information and guidance will be available through both SD52 and Annunciation Independent School.

More notes on Education across the region can be explored from our archive page.