​Below are updates about COVID-19 from the Ministry of Education:

Update – June 24, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, through a statement, 14 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,849 cases in B.C.  The statement will be posted soon on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Useful Links:

• June 19 - BC Centre for Disease Control has updated its website with the most recent information on school safety and child care safety protocols. Please see  http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/childcare-schools  
• June 2 – Information Bulletin -Nearly 60,000 students return on first day of in-class instruction - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0037-000999
• May 15 – News release - Part time return to school for K to 12 students to begin on June 1^st - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0026-000890

• May 6 – B.C.'s Restart Plan news release - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0026-000826
• May 6 - As part the Restart Plan news release, the province outlined the Ministry of Education's five stage approach to supporting students, families and staff in a backgrounder - https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_Parks_and_Sites_and_In-Class_Learning.pdf

• Check out the Good News in Education webpage: https://www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools/goodnews
• The BC Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/hea.../diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
• The Ministry of Education Keep Learning website - https://www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/

• "7 Tips for talking to kids about COVID-19" poster on the Fraser Health website - https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/coronavirus/resources#.XqHcNc5KhPZ

• May 15 - Frequent Asked Questions "Continuity of Learning in the K-12 education system" - https://www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools
• Education Minister Rob Fleming announces on March 17, 2020 in-school classes are suspended until further notice. The Minister's letter to parents and staff can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/safe-caring-orderly/218690-covid-letter.pdf
• Information about COVID-19, including information for schools and families, is regularly updated on the BC Centre for Disease Control site: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/childcare-schools
• All joint statements from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix are posted here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
• The Provincial Pandemic Coordination plan: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/reports-publications/pandemic-provincial-coordination-plan.pdf
• KIDS and COVID-19 QA: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)#For--schools--and--childcare

• Ministry of Health response plans - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza

• Government of Canada - Novel Coronavirus in China Travel Health Notice: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/210

Update – June 23, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 13 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,835 cases in B.C.  The statement will be posted soon on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health Note: The statement will also include the latest modelling that is being released this afternoon.

Update – June 22, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced three days of data with 32 new cases of COVID-19 (10 cases on Saturday, 6 new cases on Sunday and 16 new cases today) for a total of 2,822 cases in B.C.  The statement will be posted soon on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 19, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, through a statement, 7 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,790 cases in B.C.  The statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 18, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, 8 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,783 cases in B.C.  The statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom shortly - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 17, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, through a statement, 19 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,775 cases in B.C.  And 2,422 people have now fully recovered. The statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 16, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 11 new cases (1 of these cases is epi-linked) of COVID-19 for a total of 2,756 cases in B.C.  And 2,416 people have now fully recovered. The statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom soon - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 15, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, 36 new cases over a three day period (14 new cases Saturday, 16 new cases Sunday and 6 new cases Monday) for a total of 2,745 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.  The statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 12, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, 16 new cases for a total of 2,709 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.  And 2,354 people who tested positive have recovered. The statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 11, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, 14 new cases for a total of 2,694 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.  And 2,344 people who tested positive have recovered. There has been a data correction from the previous update. The statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom shortly - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 10, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, through a statement, 12 new cases for a total of 2,680 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.  And 2,328 people who tested positive have recovered.  There has been a data correction from the previous update. The statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 9, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 9 new cases (1 new epi-linked case was announced) for a total of 2,669 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.

And 2,319 people who tested positive have recovered. The statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom shortly - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 8, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 29 new cases over a three-day period for a total of 2,659 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.  There has been a data correction from the previous update. The joint statement is will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 5, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced, through a statement, 1 new case for a total of 2,632 cases of COVID-19 in B.C.  One case from yesterday's total was removed due to a data correction. And 2,272 people who tested positive have now fully recovered. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 4, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 5 new cases, that have tested positive, of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,632 - 2,265 people who tested positive have now fully recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom soon - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 3, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 22 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,623 - 2,243 people who tested positive have recovered. The joint statement is posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 2, 2020

Please read the Ministry of Education Information Bulletin released earlier today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0037-000999

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 4 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,601. 2,229 people have now fully recovered. The joint statement will soon be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – June 1, 2020

Please watch Dr. Henry's message to teachers and staff as more children went back to classrooms today: https://youtu.be/Aieq1MWFHXA

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 24 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. over the past two days (9 new cases Sunday and 15 new cases today), bringing the total number of cases to 2597. The joint statement will soon be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 29, 2020

PARENTS - please read! Minister Fleming along with  BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils and la Fédération des parents francophones de la C.-B have written a letter to parents. Please the letter available in English, French and Chinese on our website at: www.gov.bc.ca/SafeSchools  

Update – May 28, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 9 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,558. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 2,153 that's a 84% recovery rate. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 27, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 9 new cases in B.C., through a statement, bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 2,550. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 2,144– that's a 84% recovery rate. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 25, 2020
Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 12 new cases over a two-day reporting period (5 new cases Sunday, 7 new cases today) in B.C., bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 2,530. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 2,102. A joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 22, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix announced, through a statement, 18 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 2,507. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 2,042. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 21, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 12 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 2,479. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 2,020. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 20, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 21 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 2,467. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 2,001. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0026-000917

Update – May 19, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 2 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 2,446. (From May 16^th to May 18^th, 16 new cases were announced) The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,975. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

The Provincial Health Officer is looking for your help as she surveys British Columbians on their own personal response to COVID-19. You can participate in the survey - Your Story, Our Future - at: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-survey. 

Update – May 15, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 15 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,407.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,908. The joint statement is posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 14, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 15 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,392.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,885. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 13, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 16 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,376.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,859. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 12, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 7 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,360.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,832. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 11, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 23 new cases (9 cases from Saturday/Sunday and 14 cases today) of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,353.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,719. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 8, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,315.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,579. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom  - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0026-000847

Update – May 7, 2020

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 33 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,288.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,512. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Also released today, see a joint statement for Child and Youth Mental Health Day with Minister Darcy, Minister Conroy and Minister Fleming - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MMHA0026-000829

Update – May 6, 2020

Premier John Horgan, joined by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, announced B.C.'s Restart Plan this afternoon. Here is the news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0026-000826

As part the plan, the province has outlined the Ministry of Education's five stage approach to supporting students, families and staff. Here is the backgrounder - Scroll down to page 3 to see Education! https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_Parks_and_Sites_and_In-Class_Learning.pdf

Also today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 23 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,255.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,494. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0026-000825

Update – May 5, 2020

Tomorrow, Wednesday May 6^th, Premier Horgan will address the province to talk about the COVID-19 restart plan for British Columbians. The exact time is TBC. The news conference will be broadcasted live on the BC Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, announced 8 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,232.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,472. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 4, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases over two days (34 on Sunday and 19 today) of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2224.  The PHO also shared new modeling on the possible trajectory of the virus in B.C. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – May 1, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 33 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,145.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,357. The joint statement is posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 30, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2112.  The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1322. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 29, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 34 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2087.  Note: To date, 1305 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 28, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2053.  Note: To date, 1231 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 27, 2020

Important information: Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28^th, Minister Fleming and Stephanie Higginson, president of the B.C. School Trustees Association, will provide an update on the many activities underway in the education system while in-class learning is suspended for most students. Fleming and Higginson will make brief statements before answering questions from reporters. (See more details in PDF attached)

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 50 new cases from Sunday and Monday (39 cases from Sunday, 11 cases from Monday) of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 1998.  Note: To date, 1190 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

On Sunday Apr. 26^th the Ministry of Education put out a news release to support LGBTQ2S+ students during the pandemic - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0020-000755

Update – April 24, 2020

NEW information: Check out the new "Good News in Education" webpage highlighting remarkable stories of students, educators, parents, staff and communities who are going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic as they find new creative ways of learning and teaching. New stories will be added every week! https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/safe-caring-and-orderly-schools/good-news

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. through a statement, bringing the total number of cases to 1853.

Note: To date, 1114 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0020-000756

Update – April 23, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1824. Note: To date, 1092 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

NEW information: You can find daily COVID-19 testing numbers on the BC Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/hea.../diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

Update – April 22, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 71 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1795. Note: To date, 1079 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 21, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1724.  Note: To date, 1041 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 20, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 52 new cases (29 from Sunday, 23 today) of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1699.  Note: To date, 1039 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 17, 2020

Please read! The Ministry of Education, released a news release today re: new, free virtual educational programs for students, parents and educators are supporting social and emotional well-being - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0029-000709

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 43 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1618.  Note: 966 people have now fully recovered that's a 62% recovery rate. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0020-000707

Update – April 16, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1575.  Note: 983 people have now fully recovered that's a 62% recovery rate. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0020-000707

Update – April 15, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 44 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1561.  Note: 955 people have now fully recovered that's a 61% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 14, 2020

Minister Fleming released an Op-Ed (Education Week in extraordinary times) in the Vancouver Sun today - https://vancouversun.com/opinion/rob-fleming-educators-are-taking-their-creativity-and-compassion-to-a-whole-new-level/

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 27 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1517.  Note: 942 people have now fully recovered that's a 62% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 9, 2020

Minister Fleming open letter, please read: Letter to the Editor by Minister Fleming in the Alaska Highway News - https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/opinion/letters/collaboration-and-school-spirit-in-the-time-of-covid-19-1.24115665

Innovative Teachers! please read: Ministry of Education, in partnership with New West and North Van SDs, News You Can Use about teachers are getting creative in the way they are connecting with students - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0028-000672

Upcoming media on COVID-19 : Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix will be participating in a Global BC News Town Hall tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (also airing on BC 1)  -  https://globalnews.ca/news/6792103/global-bc-town-hall-coronavirus/

Starting this Sunday April 12th at 7 p.m., Global National Anchor Dawna Friesen is hosting a new Weekly Special, "Coronavirus, The new Reality."

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 34 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1370.  Note: 858 people have now fully recovered that's a 62% recovery rate. Here is the link to where the joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Pls listen: Here's a link to today's PHO briefing, educators are mentioned around the 13 minute mark. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbER4Sxdn0R5jvMRXJo7tEVE2W_-SFcTC

Update – April 8, 2020

Check out this poster on the Fraser Health website "7 Tips for talking to kids about COVID-19" - https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/coronavirus/coronavirus---resources#.Xo4_lbNYZPZ

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1336.  Note: 838 people have now fully recovered that's a 63 % recovery rate. Here is the link to where the joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 7, 2020

Internal Note: The Frequent Asked Questions "Continuity of Learning in the K-12 education system" document has been updated today - see revised language for graduation/marks/assessments.

Please watch: This video challenge went out to all the PE students at Argyle Secondary in North Vancouver yesterday, "What can you do with a roll of TP - other than the obvious," The PE dept challenged students to record and share videos back with them. https://youtu.be/c0TP0QiveOU

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1291.  Note: 805 people have now fully recovered that's 62% recovery rate. Here is the link to the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0124-000641

Update – April 6, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 63 new cases over a two-day period (26 new cases from Sunday, and 37 new cases today) of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1266.  Note: 783 people have now fully recovered that's 62% recovery rate. Here is the link to the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0124-000641

Update – April 3, 2020

Please watch: Education Minister Rob Fleming answers questions submitted by Global BC viewers. The segment, called "Focus BC," will air on BC1 throughout the weekend and next week and will be posted on the website later this afternoon  - https://globalnews.ca/national/program/focus-bc

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1174.  Note: 673 people have now fully recovered that's a 57% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 2, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 55 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1121.  Note: 641 people have now fully recovered that's a 57% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update – April 1, 2020

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1066.  Note: 606 people have now fully recovered that's a 57% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Please read - Ministry of Education information bulletin, sent out this morning, "Zoom collaboration tool now available for K-12 continuous learning" The ministry has secured and funded licences for the application Zoom for all K-12 public and independent schools in B.C. This will allow consistent access for educators who choose to use it, giving them more ways to communicate with students and parents. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0027-000608

Update - March 31, 2020  

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 43 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1013.  Note: 507 people have now fully recovered that's a 50% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today - https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Also, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, released this information bulletin today, "Province helps essential service workers find child care" that includes an update for K-12 parents too. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CFD0017-000599

Update - March 30, 2020  

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 86 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 970.  Note: 469 people have now fully recovered. Here is the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0115-000594

Update - March 27, 2020  

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 67 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 792.  Note: 275 people have now fully recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. Here is the joint statement - https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2017-2021/2020HLTH0113-000581.htm

News release guidelines for school leaders and website - This afternoon, the Ministry of Education launched Keep Learning - https://www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/, so families can find ideas for everyday educational activities, links to free learning resources, as well as how to help children learn and how to ensure their wellbeing while they're at home. Note: Teachers and schools will have primary responsibility for continuous learning.

Here is the news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0026-000580

Also released today is a joint letter for Parents from Minister Fleming and the BCCPAC – Here is the link for the letter and what languages they are in: French, Chinese and Punjabi: https://www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools

Update - March 26, 2020  

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 66 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 725.  Note: 186 people have now full recovered from COVID-19. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Today, Premier Horgan and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced they are using extraordinary powers under a state of provincial emergency to keep British Columbians safe, maintain essential goods and services, and support the Province's ongoing response to novel coronavirus. They announced a series of ministerial orders to ensure a co-ordinated response to COVID-19 across all levels of government for the duration of the provincial emergency.

Here is the NR - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0020-000568. Scroll down to the bottom of this NR and see the backgrounder with a new list of essential services in B.C.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education released a Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) document in regards to "Continuity of Learning in the K-12 education system" - this doc will be very helpful for students and families. Here is the link: https://www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools

Update - March 25, 2020

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 659.  Here is the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0107-000563

Update March 24, 2020  

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 145 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 617. The joint statement can be found on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update March 23, 2020  

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 48 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 472.

100 of the 472 cases are considered recovered. The joint statement can be found on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Update: March 20, 2020  

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 77 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 348. Here is the joint statement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0097-000531

Update March 19, 2020  

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 40 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 271. The joint statement will be posted later this afternoon, on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

Town Hall: Global BC is hosting a town hall live at 6:30 pm tonight. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry will take questions from the public. More information can be found here: https://globalnews.ca/news/6692817/bonnie-henry-adrian-dix-coronavirus-questions-global-town-hall/

Update March 18, 2020

Today B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth declared a provincial state of emergency in to support public health efforts to combat COVID-19 and to ensure resources can be coordinated and distributed between all levels of government and further ensure people have access to necessary goods. Please see media release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0017-000511

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 231. The joint statement will be posted later this afternoon, on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

YESTERDAY Education Minster Rob Fleming  – announced the immediate suspension of in-class instruction until further notice. Please see Minister Fleming's letter to parents and staff: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/safe-caring-orderly/218690-covid-letter.pdf

Today and over the weekend a total of 11 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported, bringing the total to 32. The Provincial Health Officer announced today that one person, a man in his 80s, has passed away. Of the total 32 cases, four people have fully recovered, three people are in hospital in acute care, and the 24 remaining cases are recovering, in good condition, at home.

See joint statement from Monday March 9, announcing five new cases, and the first death from COVID-19 in B.C. - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0068-000423.

And joint statement from Saturday March 7, announcing six new cases of COVID-19 - https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0064-000413.

SURREY SCHOOL DISTRICT

On the weekend, Fraser Health notified the Surrey School District that a member of the Sullivan Heights Secondary community is a confirmed case of COVID-19. This person was asymptomatic during their time at the school; so the risk to the school population is minimal.

The district was also notified by Fraser Health over the weekend that an individual, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, had recently been in Serpentine Heights Elementary as part of a community use rental. Because the school community was not in contact with the affected individual, Fraser Health has advised that that the risk to our school community is low.

The district initiated a deep clean protocol in both schools over the weekend in preparation for classes on Monday.

The risk to the public is low and those who need to be aware of possible exposure have been contacted

TRAVEL ADVICE FROM THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER

At this time, it is not necessary to cancel planned events, outings or trips to public locations in B.C. and Canada and to most places in the world. However, travellers should understand that as global efforts to contain COVID-19 continue, the availability of health care services in some areas may be limited and travel restrictions may be put in place suddenly. Cruise ships continue to be high-risk environments for transmission. Today the federal government has recommended that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

People who are planning travel should check the latest travel notices and advisories on the Government of Canada’s website: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Information about COVID-19, including advice and guidance to schools, is regularly updated on the BC Centre for Disease Control site: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID19_schools_childcare_guidelines.pdf Please routinely check this site and its resources.

March 6, 2020

B.C. announces its BC Pandemic Coordination Plan in response to COVID-19, a worldwide public health outbreak. There have been 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C., four people have recovered, one person is in hospital in critical condition and the other 16 cases are recovering, in good condition, at home.

B.C. is adding four additional COVID-19 testing labs. The province has struck a Deputy Minister’s Committee, which includes Ministry of Education DM Scott MacDonald, that will report to a special Cabinet Committee on government response to protect and contain the outbreak. Please see statement from Premier John Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Medical Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0012-000404

 
The Pandemic Coordination plan is publicly available and can be found here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/reports-publications/pandemic-provincial-coordination-plan.pdf

TRAVEL ADVICE FROM THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER

At this time, it is not necessary to cancel planned events, outings or trips to public locations in B.C. and Canada and to most places in the world. However, travellers should understand that as global efforts to contain COVID-19 continue, the availability of health care services in some areas may be limited and travel restrictions may be put in place suddenly.

People who are planning travel should check the latest travel notices and advisories on the Government of Canada’s website: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Information about COVID-19, including advice and guidance to schools, is regularly updated on the BC Centre for Disease Control site: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel). Please routinely check this site and its resources.

March 5, 2020
B.C. announces 8 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for a total of 21 in the province. Six of the new cases were linked to travel (or are close contacts of people who had travelled) to Iran. One case is a visitor from Seattle, Washington. One person was a community case on the Lower Mainland with no international travel. Please see joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0062-000393

SCHOOLS – PHO ADVICE

Any consideration of school closures would be determined by public health officials in consultation with the Ministry of Education, school districts and schools and would be specific to any impacted school. There are plans in place for those kinds of measures should they become necessary. 

In a Mar. 3 joint statement, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry advises: "Schools should be increasing cleaning and hand hygiene, educating students on respiratory etiquette, in addition to putting mechanisms in place to support students who may be away for extended periods."

TRAVEL - PHO ADVICE 

The PHO advises COVID-19 is currently found in 80 countries and people should carefully assess and have a low tolerance for international travel. The PHO also advises people with underlying health issues should reconsider trips at this time.

March 4, 2020
B.C. announces 13^th  confirmed case of COVID-19, a woman in her 80's who is in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Vancouver General Hospital. She had recently traveled to India and Hong Kong  Please see joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry:https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0060-000380

SCHOOLS – PHO ADVICE

In a Mar. 3 joint statement, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry advises: "Schools should be increasing cleaning and hand hygiene, educating students on respiratory etiquette, in addition to putting mechanisms in place to support students who may be away for extended periods."

TRAVEL - PHO ADVICE 

In a Mar. 3 joint statement, Dr. Henry advises: "British Columbians with upcoming travel plans should continue to monitor the Government of Canada travel site for the latest travel advisories: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

"Travellers should understand that as global efforts to contain COVID-19 continue, the availability of health care services in some areas may be limited and travel restrictions may be put in place suddenly. We are asking all travellers returning from Iran and China to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return home to Canada. All other travellers who are returning to, or visiting, B.C. from outside Canada should monitor themselves and their children closely for symptoms and if any arise, limit their contact with others and call 811. This is an important way to reduce the possibility of transmission of illness to others."

March 3, 2020

Update March 3, 2020 at 6 p.m.

B.C. announces 10th, 11th and 12th cases, all adults with recent travel history to Iran who are recovering in homes in the Vancouver Coastal or Fraser Health regions.  Please see joint statement from Health Minister Dix and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0058-000370

Updated March 3, 2020 at 3 p.m.

B.C. announces 9th confirmed COVID-19 case, a man in his 50's who lives in the Fraser Health region and who recently returned from Iran. Please see joint statement from Health Minister Dix and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0056-000365

TRAVEL

Along with encouraging proper hand hygiene and staying home when unwell, the PHO also advises travellers (spring break, school trips, etc.) to conduct risk assessments in advance and consider postponing trips to impacted areas - while noting that impacted areas are changing as COVID-19 continues to evolve. Please find all current health-related travel notices here: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

EVENT PLANNING

Event planners are asked to do a risk assessment. While the PHO advises there is no reason to cancel events in B.C., she recommends event planners to do a risk assessment considering what is happening in the local community and who may attend the event to lower the risk of respiratory illnesses including COVID-19. Participants who have been to Iran or China or in close contact with someone who has been to COVID-19 impacted areas, along with anyone with underlying health conditions should avoid mass gatherings and the PHO further advises anyone who is not feeling well, not to attend public events.

GREETINGS

The PHO asks people refrain from customary greetings such a handshaking, hugging and kissing during the remainder of flu season.

KIDS and COVID-19

The PHO and BCCDC have created a Q&A document to help parents, teachers and families talk to children about COVID-19, the Q&A is available at on the BCCDC website at: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)#For--schools--and--childcare

For parents and educators, CBC Kids along with the PHO produced a kid-centric Q and A video about COVID-19, please feel free to share with your school community. CBC Kids/ COVID-19 story: https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-coronavirus-facts-versus-fiction

 

Please note provincial recommendations on travel-related, self isolation:

 

 

The Provincial Health Officer is advising people who have been to China and Iran in the last 14 days, or who have been in contact with someone who has, to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days.

 

The Provincial Health Officer is also advising that anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.

All school districts in the province recently received guidance from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control regarding recommended measures for preventing and controlling respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, in schools and childcare settings. We are writing to provide you with a summary of these recommendations, to tell you how they are being implemented in our school district, and to let you know what steps you can take at home.

We are working closely with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health to monitor the situation, and will continue to update our community when we receive information. We are prepared to minimize the impact of respiratory viruses in our schools as per the direction of these government partners.

Prevention

There are two important ways to prevent and control respiratory viruses in school settings:

The first is for students and staff who are ill with respiratory illness symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, and/or muscle aches) to stay home from school. If your child is not feeling well, we ask that you keep them home so that they can rest and recover. As always, remember to inform the school of the absence.

The second way to prevent and control respiratory viruses is the consistent practice of good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene. Good respiratory etiquette includes covering the mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues in a plastic-lined waste container, followed by hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is the washing of hands with plain soap and water, which is effective at removing visible soil as well as viruses.

Children in the school setting should clean their hands:

• Before leaving home and on arrival at school.
• After using the toilet.
• After breaks and sporting activities.
• Before food preparation,
• Before eating any food, including snacks.
• Before leaving school.

If you have a younger child, support them at home by supervising and assisting in hand hygiene. In schools, this supervision will be provided by staff. We are enhancing our communication to students about handwashing, sneeze/cough etiquette and preventing illness – including new signage at sites around the school district.

REMINDER: Masks are not necessary for people who are not experiencing symptoms. In children in particular, masks can be irritating and may increase touching of the face and eyes, which increases the risk of infection. Children who have symptoms should be kept home from school rather than relying on masks.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, water fountain push buttons) helps prevent the transmission of viruses. Our school district has implemented enhanced daily cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces at all of our school sites.

Band instruments will soon be arriving at elementary schools for any interested students in grades 3-6 to try out. Increased disinfecting measures are being taken to prevent the spread of illness through instrument use.

Food Sharing

Students should not be sharing food, utensils, dishes, and water bottles or drink containers. Although this practice is important for preventing exposures to allergens, it is equally important in reducing virus transmission between children.

Psychological Considerations

A new virus such as the COVID-19 can create anxiety and be difficult for students/children to understand, especially if someone in their school or family is sick, or they see or hear troubling messages on the radio, internet or television. It is normal for children to feel worried and nervous and have questions.

Support your children by reassuring them about their personal safety and health:

• Limit their access to news and online stories about the issue.
• Maintain a normal routine unless otherwise advised by an authority.
• Encourage them to talk to you about their concerns.
• Reassure them they are safe.
• Advise them of steps they can take to stay healthy:
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue.
• Stay home if they are not feeling well.
• Keep hands away from face and mouth.
• Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, and getting enough sleep.

International Trips

There are school trips scheduled over the coming months to international destinations. We are monitoring the situation and we will provide any necessary updates.

Thank you for your cooperation. We will continue to update our community moving forward.

Please click HERE to read Frequently Asked Questions on New Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Children and Students from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer.
Feb 21, 2020

On Feb. 20, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a joint statement announcing B.C.'s sixth case of COVID-19 – a woman in her 30's in the Fraser Health region, who recently returned to B.C. from Iran. Please see the joint statement for more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0041-000304

Please note provincial recommendations on travel-related, self isolation:
The Provincial Health Officer is advising people who have been to Hubei province in the last 14 days, or who have been in contact with someone who has, to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days.

• The Provincial Health Officer is also advising that anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.
  

Feb 19, 2020

On Feb. 19, the Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer issued a joint statement announcing that the first B.C. resident has recovered from COVID-19. For more information, please see joint statement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0039-000294.

Please note provincial recommendations on travel-related, self isolation:

• The Provincial Health Officer is advising people who have been to Hubei province in the last 14 days, or who have been in contact with someone who has, to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days.
• The Provincial Health Officer is also advising that anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.
  

February 14, 2020

On Feb. 14, 2020, the Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer issued a joint statement announcing B.C.'s fifth (presumed) case of novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) – a woman in her 30's, living in the Interior Health region. The woman traveled to Vancouver from Shanghai. The woman displayed symptoms shortly after arrival and promptly self-isolated and contacted public health officials. For more information, please see joint statement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0036-000284

Please note provincial recommendations on travel related, self-isolation:

• The Provincial Health Officer is advising people who have been to Hubei province in the last 14 days, or who have been in contact with someone who has, to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days.
• The Provincial Health Officer is also advising that anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.
  

February 7, 2020

The Provincial Health Officer has written a letter to parents and guardians within the school system. Please read this letter here: Letter to Parents_Feb 7.pdf

Vancouver Coastal Health has also provided a letter for parents/guardians. Please read this letter here: nCoV Parents-Guardians Letter Feb 7 2020.pdf

February 6, 2020

Today, in a joint statement, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced two new presumptive cases of coronavirus in B.C. – they are adult visitors from the Hubei province. These cases are linked to the second case announced Feb. 4th by the Ministry of Health.

"Given the changing dynamics of the outbreak in China and globally, and recognizing we are in the midst of influenza season, we ask anyone here in B.C. who has been in Hubei province to consider staying home and keeping their children home until 14 days have passed from their last visit to Hubei. Monitor yourself and your children closely for symptoms, and if any symptoms arise, connect with your primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. This is an important way to reduce the possibility of transmission of illness to others."

February 3, 2020

The World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus a global health emergency; however, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer is advising that the risk is low within British Columbia and all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. The Ministry of Health has advised and confirmed that individuals returning from affected regions do not need to be isolated at home or kept home from school.

The Ministry of Education is in regular communication with the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Health Officer and local health authorities to learn of public health decisions and to ensure students and employees are kept informed and safe. The Ministry of Education would ask that you do not make assumptions about the risk of students or staff based on their ethnicity or travel history.

Reducing the risk

The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that to reduce the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus, individuals employ the same measures that are taken in relation to colds and flu:

January 30, 2020

The World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus a global health emergency; however, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer is advising that the risk is low within British Columbia and all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. The Ministry of Health has advised and confirmed that individuals returning from affected regions do not need to be isolated at home or kept home from school.

Students and families considering travel to and from China are encouraged to consult the Novel Coronavirus in China Travel Health Notice on the Government of Canada Travel and Tourism page regularly, as recommendations may change over the course of your travel as new information becomes available.  No matter where students and families plan to travel, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that they consult Government of Canada Travel and Tourism page, as this is the Government of Canada’s official source of destination-specific travel information. This web page provides important advice to help travelers make informed decisions and travel safely while abroad.  Students and their families should always tell their health care providers about their travel history if they become ill after returning to Canada.

January 29, 2020

B.C. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced on January 28, 2020, that the first case of novel coronavirus has been confirmed in B.C. Further details from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education are available here.

We understand our students, staff and parents/guardians may have questions about coronavirus.

We can assure you that we are in regular communication with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and our local health authority to make public health decisions, and to ensure students and employees are kept informed and safe. We will continue to be in close contact with public health officials and, with that in mind, would ask that you do not make assumptions about the risk of students or staff based on their ethnicity or travel history.

Fake news regarding coronavirus is starting to circulate on social media. We encourage students, staff and their families to refer to official sources such as the BC Centre for Disease Control for the latest information and updates: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Reducing the risk:

The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that to reduce the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus, employ the same measures that are taken in relation to colds and flu:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
  
• Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands, and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
• Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
• Stay home if you are sick.
  
• A new toll-free phone number (1-833-784-4397) has been established to answer questions from Canadians about the 2019 novel coronavirus. Service is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. until January 29 and from 7 a.m. to midnight starting January 30 (Eastern Standard Time).

Further information about novel coronavirus is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Advice for students and families considering travel:

• Students and families considering travel to and from China are encouraged to consult the Travel Health Notice (https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories/pneumonia-china) for China on travel.gc.ca regularly, as recommendations may change over the course of your travel as new information becomes available.
• No matter where students and families plan to travel, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that they consult travel.gc.ca, which is the Government of Canada's official source of destination-specific travel information. It provides important advice to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely while abroad.
• Students and their families should always tell their health care providers about their travel history if they become ill after returning to Canada.
  

Advice on masks from Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry:

"The thing about masks is we know that they are very important in certain situations. If I'm sick, my wearing a mask keeps my droplets in. It does help prevent transmission to other people. That's why we ask somebody who's sick, who's going to an emergency department, for example, if you have a cough or respiratory symptoms, we ask you to put on a mask and clean your hands.

"We also know that it's really important for health care workers to wear masks when they're assessing people because we're getting very close to people. We're doing things like sticking nasal pharyngeal swabs down their throat and that can make people cough. They need to wear masks and eye protection as well. We know they're very effective at that.

"Where it's not known is how effective wearing a mask in the community is when you are not sick yourself. The masks may give you a false sense of security. The most important thing that you can do in the community is to wash your hands regularly. The viruses like this need to be inhaled into your lungs - same with influenza and RSV that we're also seeing quite a lot of here in Vancouver, and also in China, I might add. The vast majority of the people that we're seeing who have come from China who have symptoms don't have this coronavirus. They have all of the other respiratory viruses that we see this time of year. Really important is to clean your hands regularly. If you're touching something and it has droplets on it with virus in it, as long as you clean your hands before you touch your face or your mouth, you're not going to be at risk of getting that virus in your body. It's not something that comes in through the skin. It needs to get into your mucous membranes and breathed into your lungs. That's really important - covering your mouth when you cough so you're not exposing other people. If you are sick yourself, stay away from others. Contact your health care provider ahead of time so you can be safely assessed."

January 28, 2020

The following is information provided by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education:

B.C. Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry has announced that the first case of novel coronavirus has been confirmed in B.C. Further details are available HERE.

The Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health, local health authorities and other levels of government to ensure students and school district employees are kept informed and safe. Local health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. There is ongoing monitoring throughout B.C., nationally and internationally.

All necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection.

There is no need to restrict any activities for students or staff, or to cancel school events or field trips to public spaces or events.

The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that to reduce the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus, employ the same measures that are taken in relation to colds and flu:

• Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
• Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands, and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
• Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Contact 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) or your health care provider for questions about your personal health situation.

Further information about novel coronavirus are available on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Please note: School districts do not have the authority to make public health decisions. If steps are taken in relation to a public health concern, it is at the direction of the Ministry of Health and local health authorities. At this time, school districts have not been directed to take steps in relation to coronavirus. The North Vancouver School District is in regular communication with the Ministry of Education, Vancouver Coastal Health and school districts across the province.

Please visit the school district website for further updates.