Parents, teachers and students will have more timely and accurate information about COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools in the Fraser Health region as they occur.
That’s what Fraser Health said today, announcing a new COVID-19 school exposures webpage.
“Across British Columbia, teachers and students have returned to the classroom and I think everyone can recognize the daily challenges they face as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Easily accessible public resources can provide comfort to concerned teachers and families, and provide the public consistent information that reinforces confidence in the work we continue to do to ensure everyone remains safe and in good health,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Fraser Health’s new webpage will provide transparent information about COVID-19 exposures in a school environment, the process of contact tracing, as well as the steps taken to inform parents and staff should a positive case be reported in a school.
“We have a responsibility to be transparent, clear, and current in our communication to parents, teachers, and students about COVID-19 exposures in schools in our region, and the launch of our COVID-19 school exposures webpage provides us with an opportunity to do just that,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, FHA president and CEO. “This new page is a tool for us to help keep the lines of communication open and give schools and families the resources they need to feel safe and reassured.”
Fraser Health’s COVID-19 school exposure page will display all 11 school districts in the health region, including Delta, Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Fraser Cascade, Langley,
Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster and Surrey.
The page can be found here - https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/coronavirus/school-notifications#.X2KC6NRlCpr.
The FHA notes that when an exposure letter is issued to a school in the region, an exposure event will be listed under the respective school district on the COVID-19 school exposure page.
It is important to note that an exposure event does not mean that all students attending the school listed have been exposed to COVID-19, FHA explains, noting public health makes direct contact with any individual who is a case or close contact as part of the contact tracing process.
The FHA also has a new return to school resource page - https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/coronavirus/Back-to-school-resources-for-parents-and-teachers#.X2KEDtRlCpq
In a letter to parents Wednesday, Delta district superintendent Doug Sheppard noted a key point for families to remember is that Fraser Health will connect directly with any individuals who may have been exposed with further instructions via phone call or letter. If someone is contacted by Fraser Health, they’re asked to follow the health authority’s advice carefully.
