Thread by @bctf

Elementary teachers contracting COVID-19 at more than triple the rate of secondary teachers. #bcpoli

New WorksafeBC analysis shows #bced elementary teachers need more protections like a mask mandate in schools. Full news release and details at bctf.ca/NewsReleases.a….

New WorkSafeBC data shows higher rates of occupational COVID19 infection claims among #bced elementary teachers compared to secondary teachers. As of March 11, 2021, 80 occupational COVID19 claims had been approved for K–7 teachers, compared to 25 for those teaching Grades 8–12.

Teri Mooring: “The discrepancy in infection rates truly underscores the importance of mask-wearing in classrooms. Elementary schools aren’t subject to any mask mandates for students, unlike our secondary schools." #bced #bcpoli

"The lack of transparent data about transmission in schools means we can only guess that the lack of masks is leading to more infections among elementary teachers.”
#bced #bcpoli

In the two weeks since the WorkSafeBC data was last updated, an additional 31 claims for occupational COVID-19 infection were filed by workers in a public school district setting—an increase of nearly 15%.

#bced #bcpoli

Teri Mooring: "The PHO and government seem to be holding firm with their current mask mandates, so while we continue to advocate for stronger measures, we also need to rely on parents to talk to their children about the importance of wearing a mask for everybody’s safety.” #bced

The BCTF’s WorkSafeBC Advocacy Office is advising all #bced teachers working in a classroom environment where there is a significant risk of exposure to COVID-19 to work with their local union to file a claim with WorkSafeBC should they be diagnosed with the virus.