Students in BC will return to in- class learning September 10, 2020. B.C.’s plan includes new health and safety measures, increased funding for protective equipment like masks and new learning groups to help everyone safe.

Every student and staff member will be given two masks they return to school in September.

Under the updated health and safety guidelines, masks are required for all staff and all students in middle and secondary school, when they are in high traffic areas like school buses and hallways, and anytime they are outside of their classroom or learning group and they cannot safely distance from others.

• Students will have the choice to wear a mask in the classroom
• Staff will have the choice to wear mask when interacting within their learning group
• Everyone must treat each other and those wearing with respect

Exceptions will be made for students and staff who cannot wear masks for medical or disability related reason.

Elementary school students are not required to wear masks.

Reducing the number of close, in- person interactions helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• • Keep a safe distance from others, recommended at least two metres

People in the same learning group don’t need to stay two metres apart but they must limit physical contact. Classrooms will be set up to promote spacing between students where possible. 

• Buses should be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with BCCDC guidelines
• Buses should be loaded from back to front and offloaded from front to back
• Keep seating consistent and assign seats where possible. If space is available, each student should have their own seat unless sharing with a member of their household. 
• Middle and secondary school students are required to wear non- medical masks. 
• Masks aren’t recommended for elementary students on buses because they are more likely to touch their face and may need help putting them on and taking them off. 
• Schools and school district should keep a transparent barrier to separate the driver from the students 
• Students should clean their hands before they leave home, when they leave school 
• Students should clean their hands before they leave home, when they leave school, and when they get home

In elementary schools, adapt group activities to limit physical contact and reduce shared items. 

• Limit use of frequently- touched items that can’t be easily cleaned
• Clean and disinfect laminated materials daily if multiple people touch them

Clean and disinfect frequently- touched surface at least twice every 24 hours, including:

• Door knobs
• Water switches
• Light Switches
• Toilet Handles
• Tables, desk and chair by multiple students
• Keyboards 
• Toys 

Avoid sharing all food and drinks, including homemade foods like birthday treats or bake sale items. 

Students should label all their personal items and not share them. 

Rigorous hand washing is the most effective way to reduce the spread of illness

• Wash hand with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• You don’t need antibacterial soap for COVID-19
• Help younger students with hand hygiene as needed

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface at least twice every 24 hours (once during the school day).

This is in addition to a general school cleaning, which should happen at least once a day.