Thread by @LizaYuzda

Ed Min @Rob_Fleming talking about schools clear it is NOT an announcement about schools opening.
Thanking teachers, parents & students.
Schools are open for essential worker children and those needing extra support.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Says while everyone is dealing with this unprecedented situation, @Rob_Fleming they are keeping four priorities...
1/health, safe environment
2/supporting essential worker's kids
3/supporting vulnerable kids
4/continuity of education
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Student who don't have wifi are being supported some given internet access, others being given flashdrives or paperbased work, in some rural areas kids coming into schools for ccess
75000 meals to 16000 kids around BC each week.
Grocery hampers too.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

As for when the number of students can increase or what it will look like - @Rob_Fleming says this is being done with guidance of health, evidence and looking at other regions like New Zealand where students return to school tomorrow.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

We will be back in school down the road @Rob_Fleming says and that road will be shorter the better we are at following restrictions right now.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Thanking students who've had their world's and education turned upside down -Stephanie Higginson Pres @BCSTA_News. She says as parent she reminds herself she's her kid's parent not their teacher & telling parents: what you are doing is good enough.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q once there's a vaccine, will every student medically eligible need to have one?
@Rob_Fleming Truly hope we can discuss how to implement a vaccine down the road - as far as a public health program will have to be widespread
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q timing
@Rob_Fleming - Planning now around health and safety protocols. What there is now is for a very limited number. Have the advantage of looking at other regions that are moving ahead of BC. Looking to PHO & @CDCofBC who've been keeping BC safe
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Right now @Rob_Fleming says there are about 1000 kids around BC in schools (of about 550,000 students around the province), mostly elementary school children who can't be home alone. Kids of second tier essential workers will be added relatively soon.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q-teachers, admin staff - will they wear PPE?
@Rob_Fleming: Districts have some PPE but it's not mandatory/part of protocol now. But when planning larger number of kids the use of masks/ppe may change. Know may not be able to do this B4 summer break.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q how soon will kids be back so parents can work.
@Rob_Fleming BC has had fewer restrictions but better social distancing success (not really an answer here)
Next step expand who is in school for children needs additional support to be successful.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q is this safe to have anyone in school now?
@Rob_Fleming says what is in place now for teachers and kids of essential workers is safe. To increase he says we need a made in BC approach to not just contain but eradicate #covid19 & have absolute safety.
#bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q - how are things going to work with schools not having cleaners?
Throughout entire approach taking measured approach based on science, @BCSTA_News and this will be at the core of all decisions. Schools won't be open if not able to be safe.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Q what % of kids with additional needs are getting help?
@Rob_Fleming the kids do need extra support like speech/language teachers are having limited presence in schools sometimes 1-2 hours a day. And some parents need respite that work also happening.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

re online learning -- @Rob_Fleming This is the best thing we can do while being the safest thing we can do. with the potential of a second wave of the virus in the fall we need to do this as best we can.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

Re inequities - will this make it worse for kids already struggling & fall too far behind.
@BCSTA_News President says teachers are identifying kids who need help also will assess kids and make sure they have what they need when classes return too
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

To Parents: @Rob_Fleming says they need to give themselves a break. Do a schedule that is reasonable. @BCSTA_News pres says she "completely lost the plot" on her nine year-old - then remembered this is happening to them too.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

. @Rob_Fleming No one would design school like this intentionally but some great things are happening within the limitations of what is available.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130

When returning and how much time needed in buildings/in class?
@Rob_Fleming it will balance what is effective and meaningful and what is healthy - so maybe senior students spend less time in class.
#covid19 #bcpoli @NEWS1130