Just over a week into December four Burnaby schools have already seen COVID-19 exposures this month.
Someone who tested positive for the virus was at Moscrop Secondary School on Dec. 1, according to the Fraser Health Authority’s school exposures webpage.
Cariboo Hill Secondary School saw exposures on Dec. 1 and 3, and Byrne Creek Community School had exposures on Dec. 1 and 4.
At Deer Lake School, a local private school on Gilpin Street, a person who tested positive for COVID-19 was at the school every day last week, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, according to Fraser Health.
At a news conference Monday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said she is continuing to follow the province’s school situation closely, but there were no plans to shut schools down early or extend the winter break.
She said discussions with stakeholders determined the negatives of such a move outweighed the potential benefits.
“Schools really are a safe place and an important place for our educators and for our students,” she said.
Burnaby school officials, meanwhile, are looking ahead to the New Year.
Last week, the district sent out a survey to families, students and staff to get their input on plans for student learning when schools start back up in January.
By Tuesday afternoon, 1,600 people had participated, according to school board chair Jen Mezei.
“As we look ahead to January, we are hopeful for the New Year,” Mezei said at a board meeting Tuesday evening. “While we cannot predict how COVID-19 will impact the remainder of the school year, the district is preparing for multiple scenarios, and we will be ready for what comes next.”
The school district survey ends tonight at midnight.
A link to the online survey was sent to local parents by email.
