Two more New Westminster schools have reported COVID-19 exposures this week, just as B.C. is poised to announce new health and safety guidelines for the education system.
Fraser River Middle School saw an exposure on Jan. 27, 28 and 29, according to the Fraser Health school exposures website. That exposure was reported to families Feb. 1 and publicly posted on Feb. 2.
New Westminster Secondary School also saw another reported exposure, which the Fraser Health site reports occurred Jan. 26 and Feb. 1.
This week’s exposure marks the first report for NWSS in 2021, following on a fall that saw numerous exposure letters and ended with two classes sent into isolation just before the winter break.
The new reports come just as the province is preparing to announce what it’s calling “enhanced health and safety guidelines” for the K-12 system. A media advisory says the announcement will also include “more funding to support the continued safe operation of schools throughout the province.”
That announcement is being provided by Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside (also New Westminster’s MLA) and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, along with Stephanie Higginson, president of the B.C. School Trustees Association. It will be livestreamed by the Government of B.C.
The Record will provide a further update after that announcement.
