It’s finally some good news for concerned Delta teachers.
Fraser Health on the weekend confirmed that as it continues to manage high-risk and high-priority COVID-19 areas, as well as continue to plan to immunize all school staff, the health region is starting with communities that are experiencing the highest transmission.
That means FHA is now offering immunizations to eligible school-based staff in the Delta School District as well as the Coquitlam School District. Teachers in Surrey were earlier prioritized.
In a statement yesterday, Delta Teachers Association president Susan Yao noted those teaching in North Delta will be getting a shot first.
She said they continue to hear from educators in Delta wanting to know when they’re going to be getting their vaccines.
It has been difficult to know what to say to those teachers knowing that they continue showing up every day at their schools, even with the possibility that each day they may be exposed to the virus, she said.
“The DTA and the BCTF have been working hard to advocate for teachers to be able to access all layers of protection, including vaccines. Knowing that many Delta teachers were able to book and receive their vaccines this weekend is incredible news. I have been happy to hit the ‘like’ button on Facebook seeing so many people getting vaccinated. It makes the hard work worthwhile, knowing that the health authority and government have decided to pivot to vaccinate educators and staff in the north end schools,” she said.
“We know this doesn’t make it easier for educators and staff in the rest of Delta, but appreciate that there has been an attempt to address the ‘hot zones’ of COVID exposure,” she added.
The B.C. Teachers’ Federation, meanwhile, continues to urge the province to allow for hybrid learning as well as increase transparency when it comes to exposures and in-school transmissions.
