File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Pete McIntyre / Vernon Matters

COVID-19

More normal start for B.C. schools expected this fall

Jun 17, 2021 | 10:13 AM

VICTORIA — Students will be back in classrooms for full time, in-person instruction and the return to a more normal start in September.

That was the update from Education minister Jennifer Whiteside today who also said students will no longer be grouped into cohorts or learning groups.

The minister said the current restrictions on gatherings, extra curricular activities and sports will be relaxed in time for the new school year.

“With more than 50 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 already getting first dose of a COVID vaccine, we can plan for a much more typical school year in the fall,” Whiteside told a news conference Thursday.

To support the safe operation of schools, the province has announced $43.6 million which includes new COVID-specific funding of $25.6 million for the next school year.

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Whiteside said that will be used for continued enhanced cleaning measures in schools, rapid response teams and to support Indigenous students and improving mental health services.

The policy on masks in schools for this fall has still not been finalized.

“Guidance on mask wearing in school settings will be confirmed later this summer and will aligned with broader provincial direction,” Whiteside explained.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the goal, particularly for schools, is to get to the point where COVID can be treated like other communicable diseases.

“Whether it’s influenza or measles, where we can manage them on a local and individual basis without having the broad impacts on society that we have had in the past year,” Henry said.

Henry said measures like regular hand cleaning, staying home if feeling sick and getting tested if having symptoms, will continue.