Health measures like staggered class times will reduce the numbers of students in the halls at one time could once agian be implemnted in B.C. schools. (File photo)

By Jordan Davidson

extended break

Extended Christmas break for B.C. students due to rapid spread of Omicron variant

Dec 29, 2021 | 4:37 PM

NANAIMO — B.C. students will be away from classrooms longer than planned as officials grapple with rising Omicron-fuelled COVID-19 cases.

Education minister Jennifer Whiteside said in a news conference Wednesday they will keep students at home until Jan. 10 so school boards and health authorities can be better prepared.

“This delayed start will allow public health and education time to assess the impact of the Omicron variant in our communities and on our education system. It will also provide teachers, staff, and administrators time to prepare for students safely returning to class with enhanced safety measures.”

Exceptions will be made for the children of health care workers and those with support needs. They will be allowed to return to school the first week of January, along with teachers. Parents in these situations are asked to contact their local principal to make necessary arrangements.

Teachers will be returning to their classrooms the first week of January.

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Whiteside said some of the enhanced measures which will be implemented will likely look similar to the original safety plans announced at the start of the pandemic.

They include reinforcing the importance of the daily health checks, implementing strategies to prevent crowding during class transition times, holding all school gatherings, events or meetings virtually whenever possible, and pausing all extracurricular sports tournaments.

They will also limit school visitors to those who are directly supporting activities that support student learning and well-being, such as teacher candidates, immunizers, or meal program volunteers.

“These guidelines build on existing protocols that have successfully minimized the spread of the virus in our schools, and these existing guidelines include encouraging everyone who is eligible to get fully vaccinated.”

She said they are taking these proactive steps now in order to prevent further disruptions in the school year.

B.C. announced there are 16,014 active cases of COVID-19 in the province as of Dec. 29, with 2,944 new cases.

The increase in new cases is substantial as the province reached its testing capacity just prior to Christmas.

On Dec. 24 the province reported 10,415 active cases.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow