COVID-19 exposure alerts among Metro Vancouver schools rise as week two of classes begins

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – As most students in B.C. get set for their second full week of classes, the number of schools with COVID-19 exposure alerts is still rising.

More than a dozen schools in Surrey have now reported cases of COVID-19.

The district’s superintendent has been quick to confirm the possible exposures with the public, alerting parents within days of cases.

The latest school affected in Surrey is Boundary Park Elementary. Superintendent Jordan Tinney says an individual with COVID-19 was at the school on Sept. 14 and 15, and that letters have been sent out to staff and parents, with contact tracing now underway to identify anyone that may need to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.

Thank you to the Boundary Park community for working with us on another COVID contact. Letters have gone out tonight to staff and parents. #sd36learn #SurreyBC @CityofSurrey @Surrey_Schools Thanks as always to @Fraserhealth for your work and dedication. pic.twitter.com/yQcxW5YquA

— Jordan Tinney (@jordantinney) September 21, 2020

Add that to Tamanawis Secondary School, Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, L.A. Matheson Secondary School, and another exposure at Panorama Ridge over the weekend.

There are now 15 public schools on the list of exposures in Surrey, as well as two independent schools.

As of Monday morning, there were 26 school exposure alerts in total across B.C.

One more school exposure in @Surrey_Schools
(Superintendent @jordantinney has his plate full)
Now 25 total in BC. All but 7 in @Fraserhealth.
18 potential exposures at 17 schools in Surrey#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 #bced https://t.co/JZkB7ao2qP pic.twitter.com/syWssYi24g

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) September 21, 2020

Tinney, who’s been posting on social media and recording videos with information regularly, says Fraser Health examines the Surrey school district’s safety practices, like physical distancing, mask-wearing, and hand-hygien protocols “With each COVID exposure.”

With each COVID exposure, @Fraserhealth examines our safety practices such as distancing, masks, hand hygiene etc. A huge appreciation to all who are living/teaching these protocols. You are making a difference. #sd36learn #staysafe #thankyou @SurreyTeachers @CUPE728 #SPVPA

— Jordan Tinney (@jordantinney) September 20, 2020

Tinney was early to lay out how the district would handle the situation when a case was detected at a Surrey school.

The increase in the number of COVID-19 cases comes amid growing concern and confusion by many in the region about the return to class amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related stories: 

• COVID-19 exposure notification site for B.C. schools on the way

• What happens when a COVID-19 case is reported at a school? Surrey district lays out its plan

• B.C.’s teachers launch labour action against Ministry of Education

One man, who said he’s a secondary school teacher in Surrey, described what he considered unsafe conditions at his school, telling NEWS 1130 that “It’s not the super-safe, sanitized environment that they had portrayed.”

There have also been concerns raised about physical distancing among students, as well as overcrowding.

-With files from Liza Yuzda