It’s important to remember that COVID-19 in schools is a direct reflection of the number of cases in the community.
That’s what Fraser Health is telling Delta parents in an update to school districts regarding the safety of schools during the coronavirus pandemic.
The health region in the open letter notes it has been supporting schools to manage COVID-19 exposures and is grateful for the commitment schools have made to reduce the risk by following health and safety plans.
“While COVID-19 has been challenging for all, educators and families have shown resilience and adaptability. Together, we can ensure schools remain a safe and welcoming environment for staff and students. We must all follow public health measures to reduce our chance of getting sick and bringing the virus into the school,” the health region stated.
Also reiterating many of the same personal and social safety measures stressed countless times by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, the update acknowledges many parents have questions about the safety of schools.
“It is important to remember that school exposures are a reflection of COVID-19 transmission in the community. The more transmission we see in the community, the more likely it is that COVID-19 positive cases will come to school,” the letter adds.
The update also explains the current procedures when someone infected attends school, noting it is important to understand there will always be a time gap between an early notification and an exposure date in schools.
That’s because of the time it takes for a person to develop symptoms, realize they are sick, get tested and receive their results, the FHA explains, adding it is imperative that staff and students are tested as early as possible, even with mild symptoms.
Fraser Health this week also urged the public that it is critical people in the region use the COVID-19 assessment tool - https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en - and get tested as soon as even mild COVID-19-like symptoms appear.
“Please don’t wait to get tested, as our test collection centres are open and have ample availability for testing. Book an appointment or drop by one of the test collection centres, which are operated in partnership with local Divisions of Family Practice,” the health region states.
People who have tested positive can complete a contact tracing form available on the Fraser Health website, which can be completed from their smartphone, tablet or computer, the region notes.
Those who do not have access to the online form will still receive a call from Public Health to obtain the same information needed for Public Health to begin case and contact management.
To support contact tracing efforts, Fraser Health this week launched a new texting platform to initiate the contact tracing process with those who have tested positive for COVID-19 when health officials have been unable to reach them by phone.
