LIVE: B.C. officials announce 'enhanced' health and safety guidelines for K-12 schools | #bced pscp.tv/w/curcYzEyOTUw…
B.C. Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says she has heard from many families that it means a lot for them to be with teachers and friends in classrooms. She says keeping classrooms open remains a priority for the province.
BREAKING: Masks are now mandatory for students and staff inside high schools and middle schools in B.C. Masks can come off while students are at their workstation in the classroom, while they're eating and drinking, or while a barrier is in place.
Wearing masks indoors is still optional for elementary students.
High-intensity physical activities are to be held outside as much as possible. Shared equipment, such as musical instruments, weight machines and treadmills, can only be used if they are cleaned between use. Masks are to be used when singing.
Dr. Henry: The opportunity for kids to be in school is so important - for mental health, education and growth
We know it was very disruptive when in-class learning was not happening, and these can have lasting effects over someone’s lifetime.
We know it was very disruptive when in-class learning was not happening, and these can have lasting effects over someone’s lifetime.
DBH: Masks by themselves are not the answer. They won't, by themselves, stop the spread of COVID. But combined with other layers, they can make a difference. These are requirements similar to what we have in offices and restaurants - wearing a mask when you're moving around.
NEW: The province will launch 6 regional rapid response teams — one in each health authority — to support independent schools. The teams will "improve the speed of school exposure investigations so health authorities can inform school districts and families more quickly."
B.C. has received its second federal funding installment ($121 million). $101 million will go to school districts and $7.5 million to independent schools. School districts will get an additional $3.5 million to manage COVID-19 exposures.
Minister Whiteside says school districts and independent schools have used previous funding to purchase masks, improve ventilation and support distance learning.
Stephanie Higginson, president of the B.C. School Trustees Association: I have noticed a heightened sense of divisiveness re: people voicing opinions about schools. For the sake of the students, who are watching, we must work together constructively to ensure schools are safe.
Q: Why did change to mask rules take so long?
Whiteside: It’s important to all of us that people feel confident with measures. We have met regularly as a steering committee, and learning what has been working and what has not. Changes are consistent with new BCCDC guidelines.
Whiteside: It’s important to all of us that people feel confident with measures. We have met regularly as a steering committee, and learning what has been working and what has not. Changes are consistent with new BCCDC guidelines.
Q: Can you explain the science behind not wearing masks at desk?
DBH: We are not seeing transmission when teachers, students are sitting at their desks. We know it is a challenge for young people to wear them all the time - sometimes it's impossible.
DBH: We are not seeing transmission when teachers, students are sitting at their desks. We know it is a challenge for young people to wear them all the time - sometimes it's impossible.
DBH: Not wearing a mask at desks is aligned with what we are doing in every sector. Young people are learning how to wear a mask appropriately. We should not be shaming or blaming children who are either wearing masks or not wearing masks.
Q: If students can take masks off at desk, what has actually changed here?
Whiteside: Students must wear mask when entering their learning space, any group work, getting up from a desk, moving around the classroom. Consistent with what we see in offices, for example.
Whiteside: Students must wear mask when entering their learning space, any group work, getting up from a desk, moving around the classroom. Consistent with what we see in offices, for example.
Q: What happens if students refuse to wear a mask?
DBH: Educators know how to work with students and, quite frankly, we need to make sure adults are also masking correctly. Also need to recognize there are some students who are unable to mask and we must make allowance for that.
DBH: Educators know how to work with students and, quite frankly, we need to make sure adults are also masking correctly. Also need to recognize there are some students who are unable to mask and we must make allowance for that.
Whiteside: It’s not our intention this becomes a punitive measure. We need teachers and administrators working together. We will be supporting our districts in any way necessary so this rolls out in a way that helps.
DBH re: transparency around data on schools: We routinely post information online and we will be providing more information on that tomorrow.
Q: Why no mask mandate for elementary students?
DBH: It is very challenging for young kids to wear a mask all the time. They fiddle with it and it can cause challenges in classroom. Age 12+ mandate aligns us with BCCDC measures.
DBH: It is very challenging for young kids to wear a mask all the time. They fiddle with it and it can cause challenges in classroom. Age 12+ mandate aligns us with BCCDC measures.
Q: Why are measures like improved ventilation not included in guidelines?
Whiteside: That's part of the federal funding. We know some districts will use that money for ventilation. 45,000 filters have been changed already B.C.-wide.
Whiteside: That's part of the federal funding. We know some districts will use that money for ventilation. 45,000 filters have been changed already B.C.-wide.
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